BABBIT

The elvish archaeologists who broke open the tomb of Ilexandra, Fifth Mage-regent of the Riverlands, were overjoyed at their find. As according to custom, her body was found cut into pieces, wrapped in spider-silk cloth and interred in five jars alongside her royal scepter - attuned with a spell allowing control over lesser undead - and an ornate jade death-mask carved with five eyes to denote her lineage. They supposed the discovery - complete as it was, and perfectly preserved - would surely be hailed as one of the greatest of their age.

The chief archaeologist’s journal entry for the day notes the faint aroma of a lingering magic spell over the long-dead queen: “Most likely a charm to prevent decay, and perhaps discourage interference by the giant subterranean mole-rats of the region.”

The journal was found almost a week later by a search party, amongst a pile of broken equipment, torn clothing and inexplicably rusted weapons found just outside the tomb. No bodies were ever found, but since the Old Elvish words for “KEEP OUT” had been daubed on the great stone door (apparently in fresh elf blood), they never actually set foot inside ever again.

Ottoman cape and vest, 1890′s