by Phlom Acrylos

   
Revealer of Nature and Master of Science As a historian, one must learn to turn a cold eye on some of the more brutal events of the past to bring their full meaning to the light. It is not our job to judge those who came before us, but to reveal their actions in the most objective manner possible.

However, in this case, I can not help but have a cold shudder at what I have unearthed. In my hunt for ancient artifacts, I came upon a writing that pre-dates the establishing of the Octarchy, though the exact date is uncertain. After reading the treatise, I was relieved in realising how far we, as a society, have grown. Evidence in the writing demonstrates some of the savagery that has been done in the name of science before our time.

I have rewritten the words here, as the original pages have become very brittle. I fear that this history will be lost forever if not preserved by my hands. Though some may wish that the words do become lost, I think they are an important look at where we came from, and how far we have come. - Nyshyn Klannarr, 740 AY

In my never-ending attempts to shed light upon ignorance, I have decided to investigate the light found within darkness itself. More specifically, I wish to ponder the mysteries of those races that can see well in darkness. In this study, I will not examine those that can see heat – that is work for another time. What I am interested in are those that can see very well in almost total darkness, more commonly called ”“night vision.””

My methods of investigation have been questioned by the less enlightened. However, those who understand science and the need for information know the work I perform is invaluable and greatly desired by knowledge seekers. Since many subjects lost eyes in this research, some (mostly my test subjects) have accused me of an ethical breach of conduct. But since only a few have died from eye extractions and only a small number ever lost both eyes, I think the impact of suffering has been kept minimal for the great quality and quantity of information I have gathered.

My initial studies in this field yielded little information. I found that in total darkness, night vision is almost worthless. Those with night vision typically describe their vision at night as colourless and seeing in shades of black and white. The exception appears to be the Diaboli and their half-spawn, the Ynnwn, who both claim they can see in full colour.

My first investigations focused on the Enkidukai and Klyros since I had a few test subjects left over from my previous research on burn recovery. After a few eye extractions followed up with many tests, I made an interesting observation. Light that shines directly into their eyes has a very bright shimmery effect. It appears that the backs of their eyes had some mirroring effect. I am not sure exactly how this helps them see in the dark, but I am certain this is very important.

My conjecture was that all such beings with night vision had this mirroring effect. However, that was proven wrong when I captured a stray Dermorian. Her eyes did not shine as well as the others, though it did have a light sheen compared to an Ylian’s eye. After several more tests on some new subjects, I was finding myself very frustrated. I had hoped to capture a Nolthrir for some elf comparisons. Unfortunately, my traps and test suppliers had failed to secure any. But my conjecture is that these elves must share the same visual mechanisms with each other.

I had a remarkable breakthrough after several months of tests. I was measuring the width of a rainbow that was projected on my wall from a crystal, when one of my test subjects chided me for measuring it wrong. It turns out that this subject could see further along the purple portion of the rainbow than most other races could. This was such a huge breakthrough that I released this child without performing any experiments on him out of gratitude. I believe this may explain why elves see so well in water and in the twilight, which tend to be blue and purplish in colour.

The only problem I had at this point is the inability to explain the Diaboli’s vision. Their descriptions of night vision appear different. They could point out colours better than the other races. Neither beatings nor food rewards could coerce the other races to pick out colours as well as the Diaboli. Their eyes only have a slight sheen, like the elves, but not enough to explain how they could see so well. The Diaboli were not able to point out the same parts of the rainbow as the Dermorian. Even under positive and negative reinforcements, the Diaboli did not seem to be able to see more of the rainbow.

I almost abandoned my research since my last Diaboli subject appeared to be frailer than I had anticipated. However, she was able to last long enough for some magical inquiries and experiments. Before she expired, she remarked about the darkness of one of the objects I hold most dear. This item had several runes that would absorb magic, which is needed for many magical experiments. So at this point, I must conjecture that the Diabolis’ night vision is magic based in some way.

Until I can capture another subject, that is all I have to say on this subject. I have refocused most of my attentions on seeing if night vision may be passed from one race to another which does not possess such abilities. I have high hopes that an eye taken from a Klyros may be placed in the eye socket of a dwarf. I believe if I can find the right adhesive, then I can move this science frontier even further.