Helena Tarsis lists all cortex entries on General Tarsis, a founder of the Legion of Dawn.
Collection Details
A total of 61 cortex entries make reference to Tarsis.
The following Cortex Entries tell about Tarsis, her work, achievements, interests, mails and more!
A Strange Drawing
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I was staying in Fort Tarsis when I found something scrawled on a wall: a drawing of a ground-nut with legs and arms, wearing a visor made of two circles of darkened glass. My hosts explained that this figure is a legend the children of the fort created after a surplus harvest of nuts a few years ago. In their stories, this talking nut looks out for young people on adventures, appearing to them in their darkest hours to encourage them with advice and cooperation.
It was strangely sweet, but left me with the feeling that the children of Tarsis could do with some new books or toys.
— Arcanist Orun, letter to a friend
Artinia the Sharpshooter (1)
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"...with Vassa's students, to watch the stars for signs of the General's return. Her keen eyes and perfect calm shall protect their search for truth long after the rest of us have turned to dust."
"If it's in the Bullet Mires, we're never going to find it. I lost my own javelin in those ruins once, and it took me three months to spot where I'd left it."
Cariff the Tactician (3)
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We found him on the battlefield, surrounded by rings of fallen urgoth like ripples in a pond after the stone lands. If any lancer could outwit death itself, Legionnaire Cariff would be the one. We placed him among the honor guard, so when our General returns, her Tactician will be at the ready.
— Liatrelle's Archive, text fragment
Cataclysms (2)
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Before them opened a great Cataclysm, and from it perils did emerge. But Helena Tarsis did not falter. She pressed on into the valley, though wind and debris and chimera all bit at her heels. When she finally reached the Shaper's great rings, she did not attack as Stral had, but observed that they needed repair. Through this, the General determined that the wound could be healed and their path to the fortress was restored
— From The Volume of Tarsis
Exile's Arch (District)
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This pass leading to the Fortress of Dawn has a long history, not just as one of the Legion's defensive posts, but being the place they exiled one of their own. The Legionnaire Verithan had murdered his friend Felux out of jealously and Tarsis decided he should be banished rather than have Legionnaires spill human blood. Today, Exiles Arch is still a key location for the banished as the primary location for outlaw hostage exchange. When the authorities fail to arrive for a hostage exchange, captives are left alone at “The Hanging tree.” where they are more than likely to be eaten by wildlife.
FORTRESS OF DAWN
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The signet of Tarsis was more than a mere keepsake, it was a key. It opened the long-sealed Fortress of Dawn—the seat of General Tarsis, where all the greatest lancers in history had gone to prove their worth. Inside, the Freelancer realized the only way to reach the inner sanctum was to undergo the ancient trials that tested those wanting a place among the Legion of Dawn. Pitted against their own memory's worst battles, the Freelancer emerged victorious and gained entry to the hall. There stood the Javelin of Dawn. Before the Freelancer could claim their prize, Owen revealed his true colors and sabotaged the Freelancer's armor and took the Javelin of Dawn for himself.
Fortress of Dawn (District)
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Vassa worked his mind for five days and five nights and lay before them a jewel in the crown of humanity. A fortress made of light and crowned in gold, the splendor of the world at its feet. Tarsis walked upon the polished bridge and was awestruck and did kiss Vassa's cheek in thanks.
— From The Volume of Tarsis by "Garred"
Freelancers (1)
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Independent lancers who chose to follow General Tarsis and the Path of Valor. They silence cataclysms and aid those in need beyond the safety of the walls. Freelancers act without direct orders from any central organization. Though there is no official code, the modern perception of Freelancer values is attributed to Dalathie's The Freelancers Three.
Valor to serve the people, regardless of their station.
Courage to bring silence when the Anthem sing.
Faith to keep my word and the word of my brethren.
Trust that the free answer when called.
Strong Alone, Stronger Together.
Garred the Chronicler
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One of the first Legion of Dawn members, Garred the Chronicler spread the word of General Tarsis and her accomplishments to inspire others to join her cause. Garred was master of the written word, a charismatic speaker, and is best known for writing a historical document about the Legion called The Volume of Tarsis. Little else is known about Garred, for he rarely wrote about himself. It is known he was married to General Tarsis, but he died before her own passing.
Interestingly, Garred's works appeared to be written past his death, and it is believed that others took up the mantle of recording The Volume of Tarsis for at least 30 years after his death. In his honor, Empress Vassala Dell gave the title of Chronicler to cyphers who transfer information to other cyphers.
General Helena Tarsis (1)
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The first lancer and leader of the Legion of Dawn. Helena Tarsis is humanity's most revered and celebrated hero. The Volume of Tarsis claims that she was the lone survivor of an escaped group of slaves, though the General reportedly spoke little about her past.
Tarsis, her husband Garred the Chronicler, and inventor Arden Vassa recruited and trained an army to overthrow the urgoth. At the Dawn Gates, Tarsis fell in battle preventing the urgoth's final act of vengeance, the attack on the human settlement of Antium. Sometime after her death, she was reportedly spotted near Anshar, prompting the belief that she would rise again and inspiring construction of the Helena's Walk temple.
General Helena Tarsis (2)
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Can we be certain that General Tarsis truly made Fulminous, whatever that may be, into a sword? Speculating on the accuracy of The Volume of Tarsis is a waste of our time. Instead, let us consider what the text tries to teach us—that humanity came together to overcome oppressors through ingenuity, communication, and organization... this should be our focus.
Guardians' Gifts (1)
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According to legend, the four legionnaires who guard the way to General Tarsis will grant gifts to those who leave them the proper offerings.
Helena's Walk (District)
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This structure is built where General Tarsis’ ghost was apparently spotted wandering, years after her death. Pilgrims from all over Bastion came to the temple to meditate and pray for Tarsis to return. Of course, popularity of this site grew again after it was the setting for Eritono's dramatic masterpiece “Raxion,” but it has not been visited since titans from the Heart of Rage breached the Shadow Lock.
I Laugh at Danger, but...
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Last chapter of my book:
"Cutter Drayden was exhausted. At best, he only had a day before he died of a nasty rash. His old life selling trinkets in Fort Tarsis didn't seem so bad now. His book hadn't really worked out, and it was best just to bury it where no one would find it. If he hurried, he could be home before the loud scary things ate him."
That won't work; this is better:
"Cutter Drayden had stared into the maw—the worst the world could throw at him—and the world had blinked. He had nothing left to prove. His courage was stronger than steel. Having conquered the wilds of Bastion, he could now retire in Antium and live the life of the idle rich. Legions of fawning admirers would ensure the legend of Cutter Drayden eclipsed even that of General Tarsis."
Well, back to selling trinkets.
In the Eye (Mysterious Note)
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Javelins
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An airtight, armored exo-suit linked to a pilot's thoughts and impulses. Javelins are capable of short flights and have been the major technology of defense and exploration. “Arden Vassa crafted a suit of armor, plated in ember and hope. This would make General Tarsis stronger than the urgoth, than the ursix, than the titan. This would be humanity's salvation. A spear, hurtling towards freedom. A Javelin of Dawn.”
When cyphers began to appear, Corvus integrated new technology into links, so that the cyphers could “accompany” lancers on missions, giving specific direction, information and guidance. While not necessary to piloting a javelin, working with a cypher is a proven life saver.
Since a javelin is merely an extension of its lancer, they work best when specifically crafted to an individual's preference and ability. It is common for lancers to upgrade their javelin to their liking with guns, cannons, shields, and seals.
Legionnaire's Ravine (District)
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The Legionnaire's Ravine was where General Tarsis’ most trusted lancers trained and learned to pilot the first javelins. It's a favorite destination of those visiting the Fortress of Dawn, most memorably writer Fallon Dalatie, who etched his name into the side of some of the ruins found in the ravine. In an effort to restore the ravine and its structures, the Shadowmark Ladies’ Auxiliary repaired Dalmatic's graffiti, outraging the Dalathie Society of Antium. Unfortunately, the structures were destroyed around 344.
Liatrelle and the Path of Resolve (1)
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Before the Battle of Antium Pass, the Legion's Test of Resolve had a different basis. It began with Liatrelle, the General's oldest friend. When Tarsis first raised an army against the urgoth, Liatrelle was with her. They hadn't yet found Arden Vassa. No lancers, no Arcanists, no javelins, no weapons, no fortress. Not even a good hiding place. Nothing but the vision of Helena Tarsis, and Liatrelle's unbreakable will.
The two set out to find the urgoth. The plan was simple. Follow the raiders, and warn villages in their path. At first, they succeeded in getting word of the coming urgoth to people in time. Villagers fled to safety. But the longer the urgoth went without prey, the faster it spurred their hunt. Finally, Tarsis and Liatrelle arrived at a village with the urgoth close behind. Flight was impossible. So, they stood and fought.
Tarsis hoped to slow the urgoth enough that some villagers could escape. The two fought alone, armed with simple weapons, and were little more than an annoyance to the enemy. But they fought. Despite greater numbers, strength, and weapons, the urgoth could not subdue them. Finally, with Tarsis wounded and Liatrelle exhausted, the two prepared for the end. But then, the villagers rallied. With tools and improvised weapons, they joined the battle and routed the enemy. Many innocents were taken that night, but not all of them. That night, people fought the inevitable.
— As told by the Bard
Liatrelle and the Path of Resolve (2)
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This is the story of how the Legion endured its own destruction.
While Arden Vassa and Stral argued about the remaining Legion's path, Liatrelle prepared. She prepared her oldest friend and other fallen for burial. And she prepared the way for those still to come. She took Garred's Volumes of the Legion from the Fortress of Dawn before it was sealed. She left Helena's signet in the General's tomb so it could someday be claimed again.
Liatrelle would not abandon her friend, or her path, even though the battles were over. The world would always need Tarsis. And Tarsis would always need Legionnaires. She followed Vassa to Antium for a time, and left the Legion's records with trusted lancers to be maintained and passed down by generations.
Once her preparations were complete, her plans in motion, Liatrelle walked out of Antium and vanished.
— As told by the Bard
Magna Stral and the Path of Might (1)
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Magna Stral came to the Legion of Dawn as a young girl. Her village was raided and her family taken by urgoth. She was so small, she hid inside a basket. The urgoth surely caught her scent, but considered her too weak to bother taking. Alone, unarmed, she followed the secret Arcanist signs to Sanctuary, where the rebels hid and plotted. There, Stral begged General Tarsis to let her to join the Legion, to grant her vengeance. But, the General refused. Stral wasn't ready, Tarsis said.
Stral couldn't accept that. So she went out alone to fight the urgoth. She set traps and ambushes. She poisoned spears and knives. Any small advantage she could take against a superior enemy, she gladly took. She nearly died dozens of times, but vengeance drove her onward. She carried urgoth trophies to the Sanctuary. Day after day. Week after week. Finally, General Tarsis spoke with her.
“What do you want?” she asked.
“I want to join the Legion of Dawn.” Magna replied.
Tarsis looked at Stral's many urgoth trophies.
“Why? You already have your revenge.”
At first, Stral had no answer. Then, she said, “It's where I belong.”
“Then you're finally ready to join us,” Tarsis said.
— As told by the Bard
Magna Stral and the Path of Might (2)
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Let me tell you the final tale of Magna Stral.
When General Tarsis fell, those closest to her mourned. Each carried grief in their own way. For Stral, the loss of her friend and leader summoned rage. She couldn't rest while a single urgoth lived. They were already broken by the Sword of Fulminous, terrified, fleeing to the dark corners of the world. But Stral followed, hard on their heels. When at last her scouts found no more enemies, she returned to the Fortress of Dawn. There she found the doors sealed. The Legionnaires were preparing to leave it forever.
While Stral eased her grief with battle, Arden Vassa fixated on his duty. With her final breath, Tarsis made him swear Antium would not fall... no matter the cost. At her command, Vassa prepared to take the Legion of Dawn south to guard Antium.
Outraged at this perceived desertion, Stral ordered the lancers to halt. And they obeyed. Her General secured a future for all people, not just Antium. She called for the Legion to follow her, to battle the enemy in the darkness where they'd fled. Stral was admired—some say revered—by many, and they gladly joined her cause.
Vassa called them traitors. Stral declared those who stayed behind were cowards. And the Legion broke. Those who followed Magna Stral called themselves Paladins, and went north to pursue the enemies of man. They vanished into darkness, and were never heard from again.
— As told by the Bard
Mail: Bulletin: Icetide Events
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Icetide Means it's Time For Ice Smash!
This week the season kicks off with the traditional Fort Tarsis Ice Sculpture Smash! Participation is free but those taking part must bring their own tools. Please gather at the south wall at sunrise to claim your block of ice. Come and show off your artistic skill to your fellow citizens by creating an effigy in ice. The traditional flinging of the sculptures off the wall begins just before sundown on the same day.
Note: This season, after much debate, images of the Royal Family of Antium will still be permitted to be carved, however, those sculptures will not be permitted to be thrown off of the wall and smashed when that time comes.
Citizens in Tarsis are once again invited to the Freelancer Enclave tomorrow for shaved ice treats. Freelancer Jak will act as Honorary Frost Fellow for the festivities this year. The cyphers will be running games of chance with the proceeds going to the Tarsis Cypher Scholarship which sends altered children from underprivileged families to a satomi.
Congratulations to our resident Bard who recently returned from Antium with a trophy as the top dramatist in Bastion this season.
His winning dramatization of General Tarsis and the Ice Titan held the assembled crowd rapt for an entire afternoon, while the encores continued for almost a day more. Notably, near the end of his performance, he had everyone on the edge of their seats recounting the story of our recent fire during the Season of Skulls.
Mail: From a Future Freelancer (Version 1)
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Hello,
My name is Anden. My mum helps fix up your javelin. Yours is really good, by the way.
I got to see a whole bunch of javelins take off from the platform. Freelancer ones, not Sentinels. That's going to be me one day. I'll protect the fort and everyone here like you. I bet flying is really fun too. Maybe I'll find a secret Tarsis thing and we can go on a contract together.
From,
Future Freelancer Anden
Mail: Mentor Aven, Arcanist Academy (1)
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Dear Freelancer,
A mutual acquaintance, Matthias Sumner, happened to mention in an otherwise very routine message about research budgets that you had actually located the final resting place of General Tarsis. I'm sure I don't have to tell you what a momentous discovery you've made! The College of Historians would be very interested in getting your account of the expedition and your impressions of the tomb on record. If you ever visit the Academy, I would be more than happy to meet with you.
Sincerely,
Mentor Wyat Aven
Mail: Mentor Aven, Arcanist Academy (3)
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Dear Freelancer,
Did you also find all the tombs of the Guardians of Dawn? Why didn't anyone tell me that sooner? And you've recovered schematics for the lost javelin of General Tarsis? And actually built something from them?
Okay, new plan. Don't worry about coming to the Academy. I'll try to get a strider to Fort Tarsis to see you. Apparently, the accuracy of the entire historical record of Bastion depends on it.
Mail: Quiz: Which Legion member are you?
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Which Legion of Dawn member are you? Answer these questions to find out!
1. How do you like your tea?
A) Hot
B) Cold
C) In a mug plated in ember and hope.
D) With chimeric compound. Like mother used to make.
2. You find an open wallet on the ground. What do you do?
A) Put its voice into a weapon.
B) Pick it up, count how much money is inside, and plan how to spend it.
C) Connect to it through a gateway and spend the money on kebabs for your friends.
D) Close it, just in case something nasty lurches out of it.
3. If you could have special powers, what would they be?
A) The ability to visit places after my death.
B) Endless stamina, to chase my enemies to the ends of the earth.
C) I don't need special powers. I know how to manipulate ember.
D) To consult with loved ones after they have died.
If you picked mostly As... you are GENERAL HELENA TARSIS! You are a visionary leader who isn't afraid to kick butt and take names. You work well with others, know how to settle a conflict, and leave a lasting impression.
If you picked mostly Bs... you are MAGNA STRAL! You are driven, determined, and are not afraid to disagree. You have no qualms about using dangerous situations to your advantage, and will not stop until you finish the job.
If you picked mostly Cs... you are ARDEN VASSA! You are a mastermind who sees the possibilities in everything. You have a nurturing personality. You enjoy architecture and long hikes.
If you picked mostly Ds... you are MIDDERON! Nothing makes you happier than family traditions and a good time with your best friends. You enjoy physical exercise and life in the great outdoors.
Midderon and the Path of Valor (1)
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Midderon was the son of Arcanists. He lived his entire life hiding in a cavern underground. At ten years old, he'd never seen the sky, or an urgoth, or any beast but humans. The world was utterly unknown to him, except for tales of horror and woe. But among stories warning children to hide and obey, Midderon heard one other. A whispered tale of a rebellion against the urgoth, and a Legion rising to free all people. So, the young Midderon left the safety of the Arcanists to find the Legion of Dawn.
Raised to be a scholar, he could read the secret signs of the Arcanists. He followed them through the wilds toward the Legion of Dawn. The chimera... had a different plan. Midderon had never seen a chimera. He'd never even seen a grabbit, but he was a very good student. He learned all the warning signs that he was being hunted, and remembered stories about laying false trails. He led the chimera on a winding path through the rocks. Back and forth. He could never shake the creature, but it could never find him. Then, other hunters came.
General Tarsis discovered the chimera stalking the boy while she wore the first javelin built by Arden Vassa. The General was just learning to use her javelin. No one knew what it could do—not even the man who made it. Not trusting her suit's strength in a direct fight with a chimera, Tarsis lured it into chasing her instead. While it ran after Tarsis, Liatrelle found the boy and spirited him away to safety.
Liatrelle took him to the Legion's camp. When Tarsis asked where he lived and who his people were, Midderon replied, “You're my people.”
The others tried to persuade him to return home, but Tarsis said, “He is home.”
Midderon then served as a page in the Legion of Dawn.
— As told by the Bard
Midderon and the Path of Valor (2)
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It's time to tell you how the Freelancers began.
Midderon was raised by the Legion of Dawn. He witnessed Tarsis testing the first javelin. He was at the General's side when the Fortress was built, earned his own javelin, and eventually fought beside her. Of those that stood with Tarsis and held back the urgoth at Antium Pass, only Midderon survived. In grief, the Legion tore itself in two. Half went with Magna Stral. Half with Arden Vassa. And one Legionnaire who went with no one.
Midderon remained at the Fortress of Dawn, even though the gates were sealed and the lancers gone for good. Alone in the courtyard, Midderon heard a distant roar. It was a sound he remembered, for it haunted his dreams. The roar of the chimera Cindermaw. The monster that stalked him long ago. It had vanished for more than a decade, but returned upon the General's death.
Though Midderon stood no chance alone, he saw that the village of Anshar lay helpless in the creature's path. He found the chimera's trail and followed it—not to the monster, but to its lair. If he silenced the relic that created it, Cindermaw would be defeated. Midderon found the relic, though the monster lurked nearby. Midderon remembered his childhood of laying false trails. He woke the chimera and it chased his false tracks while he slipped past, silenced the relic, and defeated the beast that stalked him long ago.
Cindermaw fell. In that moment, Midderon knew his calling was to walk the Path of Valor, even if he walked it alone.
— As told by the Bard
On the Heights (Mysterious Note)
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Prayer for General Tarsis
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Brave Helena, watching from above,
Help us stay clear-eyed in our wanderings,
Grateful for our companions,
And safe within our walls.
Give us the strength to continue when all seems lost,
And keep strong the hope that freedom brought.
Sanadeen's Pass (District)
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And so it was that Sanadeen and the Fen Watcher did battle for three days and three nights at the pass, until they could no more, and collapsed onto one another and the deepest sleep. It was at this time that the Watcher's blood did cover Sanadeen, and make its secret way into her being. And so it was that Sanadeen, Helena's Corvus, received her secret gifts, and the Sister Dark was truly born.
— From The Volume of Tarsis by “Garred”
Sentinel Archives (3)
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They looked carefully over the wall's edge. "Look at that Freelancer… blasting off into the great unknown. What good would we be if we left our post to traipse around the wilderness?"
Calahan looked at her. "Tarsis died to protect the people of Antium. If you're going to kick the bucket, it should be following her example. Not while off on a whim."
Sentinel Archives (4)
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Vassa remembered the General's words when she smote the urgoth at the pass. That Antium, and all other settlements, must be protected even at the cost of her own life. And Vassa did say, "Go forth and know that as you stand sentinel at our walls, your vigilance and bravery bring peace to those who cannot pass the gateway."
— From The Volume of Tarsis
Still Watching (Mysterious Note)
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THE LEGIONNAIRES
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Haluk and Faye made a deal with the Regulator Princess Zhim for information. That bargain led the Freelancer on a search through the Bastion wilderness for the tombs of four fallen Legionnaires—an honor guard left to keep eternal vigil over the resting place of General Tarsis. Only when all the guardians were met, and the Freelancer found worthy, would the way to the general be clear.
THE TOMB OF TARSIS
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With every challenge vanquished and the blessings of the guardians bestowed, the Freelancer sought the tomb of General Helena Tarsis herself. There, they hoped to find the fabled Javelin of Dawn that might provide a way to traverse the Heart of Rage and reach the Cenotaph at its center. Though the armor was not waiting for them, the tomb held a different treasure: the General's signet. But they were not alone in pinning their hopes on the Javelin of Dawn. The Monitor was seeking the same prize. Thus, the Freelancer was forced to carve a path through Dominion forces to escape the tomb alive.
Tarsis Falls (District)
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These falls, considered the most beautiful in the region, were named after the legendary general of the Legion of Dawn, Helena Tarsis. It is not, however, a place she actually fell. In the late 300s, Maldi Sett went over the falls in a barrel and lived to tell, starting a brief fad with youths in the time of the Honor Valley boom.
Tarsis and the Mountain
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Fulminous lived atop a mountain too steep for humans to climb. From there, he sent giants and terrible storms like a dreadful, fiery wind.
A day came when Tarsis declared her people would suffer Fulminous no longer. She brought the most trusted of her flying Legion to the lair of the mighty creature. For three days, they battled amid fearsome lightning, until Tarsis brought Fulminous to heel. She pried his thunderous voice from his throat and forged it into a sword... the Voice of Heaven to sing a song of triumph.
— From The Volume of Tarsis
Tarsis and the Sword of Thunder
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The Voice of Heaven whispered to the General, and with its guidance she forged a new ambition. She gathered the Legion at their old sanctuary as the enemy, cunning and cruel, surrounded them. As warriors filled the valley below the mountain, they laughed and cheered, certain that no human could escape.
But Tarsis planned well, and once the urgoth committed their greatest forces to the battle, she unleashed the Voice of Heaven upon them. The mountain shattered as it sang and the urgoth were buried beneath waves of rock and earth
— From The Volume of Tarsis
Tears of Liatrelle (District)
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While Urry and Perimodes bounded along the trail, singing “Karin the One-Handed Barmaid,” Gillimer stopped for a moment to watch the Tears of Liatrelle fall. How lucky he was to be here with his companions, and be reminded of Tarsis’ most trusted friend. He thought of how Liatrelle had stopped fighting to heal her friends, and how her compassion was just as important to the fight as her strength. For a Freelancer without compassion was merely a flailing ursix in the woods.
— From The Freelancers Three by Fallon Dalathie
The Faithful
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This enormous statue was built to honor “The Faithful of the Haven” who chose to stay at the Legion's first stronghold when the urgoth attacked. Through the haven had been evacuated, fifty odd Faithful—made of lancers, healers, pages, and cooks—stayed to create the illusion of protecting the population, drawing the enemies’ attention away from Tarsis’ effort to move hundreds of refugees to the Fortress of Dawn. Few survived, but the legend lives on.
The Fortress of Dawn
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The Foremost structure of the Legion of Dawn, the fortress was the gathering place of free people during the battle against the urgoth. Its high walls and strategic position ensured that attack was difficult and never unexpected. The Volume of Tarsis describes how, at its zenith, the fortress housed thousands of people building javelins and striders and training warriors. Though the twin colossi statues that overlook the fortress were intended to intimidate the urgoth, it is thought that the urgoth never made an attack on the fortress, having met their defeat at the Dawn Gates. After Tarsis’ death, the decision was made to leave the fortress, and the free peoples headed south to Antium. The exact reason why has never been determined.
The Freelancers Three (2)
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Long ago, in the early Legion Victorious years, the countryside was populated with lancers fair and true. The most famous of these were Perimodes, Gillimer and Urry, and upon recognizing a sympathy between them, the three formed a cooperation. They vowed to follow the example of General Tarsis in courage, faith, trust, and valor, as the Legionnaires did in the glory days. They named their guild The Freelancers Three, and it is here that our story begins.
— From The Freelancers Three
The Haven (3)
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Another tomb searched, and still no sign of General Tarsis. This is the 117th burial chamber my team has located that matches the texts and descriptions. I'm beginning to question this task. Still a few other tombs in the area to check out before we move on.
—From "Search for the General: The Diaries of Cartographer Christopher Tan"
The Last Stand (Weapon)
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This deadly chain gun recognizes when your javelin's health is failing and compensates by dealing greater damage with every hit. Legend has it that General Tarsis and her small group of lancers used an early version of this autocannon when they held off the urgoth on the path to Antium. The Legion of Dawn's Felux is quoted as saying, "The more damage they took, the more damage they delivered; it was glorious and horrible."
The Last Stand of General Tarsis
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With their multitudes buried in the avalanche, the vengeful urgoth turned the remainder of their forces south, toward Antium—the hope of humanity, a town beyond the mountains, untouched by urgoth will. Once again, Tarsis gathered a trusted few and, with the speed of flight, arrived at the mountain pass to stop the urgoth.
The urgoth gathered a great host, yet Tarsis would not yield, and she held the pass for three days until more Legionnaires arrived on foot. With a chorus mighty and strong, Dawn swept in behind the urgoth, pinning them against the mountain walls until their ranks fell dead. Antium remained untouched.
Yet victory came with tragedy, for Tarsis herself was among the slain. The Legion carried her from that place to pay her proper honor.
— From The Volume of Tarsis
The Legion of Dawn (1)
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The lancers who first created javelins fought back against urgoth oppressors, and won humanity's freedom. General Tarsis led the human revolution while piloting the first javelin, invented by Arden Vassa. The Legion's ranks included notable heroes like Sanadeen, Liatrelle, and Magna Stral. Their tragedies and triumphs were recorded by Garred the Chronicler in Bastion's most famous book, The Volume Of Tarsis, though the text was printed long after Garred's death.
The Legion of Dawn (2)
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And so the Legion divided into three once the urgoth were defeated. Singing the Path of Resolve were the Sentinels, sworn to protect, their voices full with service to the people and high city walls. On the Path of Might, the Paladins were convinced that strength and force should lead the way. Lastly, the Freelancers followed the notes of valor sung by General Tarsis herself.
The three melodies sung together caused only discord, and none could bear the sound. So it was that one Legion became three. Spoke Vassa: “We must sing the Anthem as we hear it, and none should be forced otherwise.”
—From The Volume of Tarsis
The Search for the Lost Tomb (2)
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Dear Mother,
I'm in Anshar! Well, Shadowmark. Vassa really knew how to build things, let me tell you. We've started our excavation in Helena's Walk. If the General's spirit was seen here, surely her tomb is nearby. Uncle Felton's Arcanist tools are really coming in handy. Everyone is quite jealous of my tiny brushes, which makes me feel shamefully smug.
Love to Dad
Blais
The Search for the Lost Tomb (5)
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Dear Mother,
It appears our current hunt has been misguided. What we thought was a map to the last resting place of General Tarsis has turned out to be a fake. Why would anyone create a fake map? If someone took the time to fashion a false trail, they must truly be hiding wonders indeed. Oh, well. We've decided to venture to Fortuo to follow another lead. I've heard such things about Fortuo! And who doesn't enjoy a trip to the seaside?
Love to Dad
Blais
The Tale of Tarsis and the Mountain
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Nearly everyone has heard the story of General Tarsis battling the dread monster Fulminous at the top of a mountain. For centuries, scholars have debated where this battle took place—if it did at all. Historian Salix Wren collected and compared hundreds of versions of the story, and found a few landmarks in common which led him to believe the mountain was located in present-day Freemark.
There is, of course, no mountain currently in Freemark. But the presence of large Shaper instruments in that area does suggest that both the mountain and the monster were the result of a Cataclysm—making the story of Tarsis and the Mountain the earliest known record of a human silencing a Shaper relic.
Was Fulminous a monster or a metaphor? A living beast made of lightening, or a fictional stand-in for a raging storm? We can only speculate.
— From Dialogues
The Tracks of Midderon (District)
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When he was a boy, General Tarsis’ page boy Midderon was well known for being a fast runner, even without a javelin. It was said that he could run from the base of the ravine to the Colossi and then to Anshar in record time. Before the Scar incursion, running the Tracks of Midderon was a popular event in neighboring Shadowmark as part of their yearly festival, and in individual fitness regimes.
The Wings of the Spear
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Many of the Dominion's top lancers have sought a place in Vara Brom's battalion. The most talented Valkyries form her inner circle of friends and advisors, just as the Legionnaires once did for General Tarsis.
Tomb of Tarsis
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The resting place of Legion of Dawn leader, General Helena Tarsis. Over the years, many have searched for the tomb. In particular, Arcanist researchers have been frustrated in their attempts to discover the location of the Tomb of Tarsis. Garred's The Volume of Tarsis states that the General was buried in the place most beloved to her, inspiring speculation that her tomb could actually be inside the Fortress of Dawn. Other historians believe Tarsis was buried somewhere in the valley that is her namesake.
Truth of Tarsis (Weapon)
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At the decisive battle with the urgoth, a squad of snipers led by Alnwik devastated the attacking forces before the main clash. Tarsis spoke of the snipers before she died and reputedly said, "My snipers were true today and their truth delivered death unto the urgoth Overlords." Legend has it this rifle was inspired by the one wielded long ago by that small group of faithful snipers.
Vassa and the Runes (10)
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As the moon chased itself across the night sky, that declaration was revealed to the free clouds, and they wept.
Tarsis removed her helm to address the throng. “Free people. Know this is only the first of our cities. When the urgoth are nothing but ash, we will build palaces and gardens and homes. We, the Legion, promise you and your children yet unborn… all will be safe within those walls.”
— From The Volume of Tarsis
Vassa and the Runes (6)
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Vassa was no longer a boy when he met Helena Tarsis, and grey-eyed Idris had gone on to the great wheel. Tarsis, already called General, saw strength in Vassa, and she joined his wanderings, leaning secret ways and leaving the signs for those who know.
Vassa and the Runes (7)
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Years turned over, and Vassa followed the teachings of Idris and the Emberlings. Tarsis worked to thwart the urgoth, freeing all in her path, relying on runes to aid their flight until that day when Vassa crafted a suit of armor, plated in ember and hope. This would make General Tarsis stronger than the urgoth, than the ursix, than the titan. This would be humanity's salvation. A spear, hurtling towards freedom. A Javelin of Dawn.
And so, the free people grew from a few who dared to follow the moonlight, into a legion waiting for the sun to rise, ready for the bright rays of victory.
Vassa's Way
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And once the throng had passed, Vassa gathered his verses and smote the bridge to the fortress so that no beast could easily cross. “Let nothing enter that is not worthy. That Tarsis’ secrets are not lost, nor easily won.” And he brought forth the waters to cover the meet, and swallow up the Legion's glory. The Legion of Dawn, once the beacon of freedom for mankind, was truly no more. And so Vassa led the people south to Antium, his own heart breaking with every step.
— From The Volume of Tarsis by “Garred”
Yvenia the Forgewright (2)
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On the field of Blackstone, as Tarsis and her troops held the front against the enemy, the Forgewright moved in the shadows, gathering materials, rendering aid and repairs to the fallen, so that the Legion's might would not falter over the long battle.
— Liatrelle's Archive, text fragment
Yvenia the Forgewright (3)
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Upon the stone that covers her, let them write: Here lies Legionnaire Yvenia, Forgewright of Dawn. She stood with Tarsis and shall stand forever more among her honor guard. We who have been broken, we who have been wounded, we who have been lost, owe her thanks. And if time dares erase what has been written there, let time face the Legion's wrath.
— Liatrelle's Archive, text fragment