I have set out for the western reaches of Windsward to make a study of what the locals call “the buffalo.” Although by their description, I suspect they are more likely a species of bison. When I arrive, I will be sure to correct this misconception. Regardless, more curious than the name, is their presence here on the island. \n\nMother says that buffalo are a poor subject for a historian. As usual she does not appreciate the peculiarities of my craft. These creatures’ presence here is as queer an anomaly as I have ever discovered. \n\nIf they are indeed bison, they certainly are not native to the old world, and are neither a favored dairy animal nor beast of burden. What’s more they are enormous, ornery, and temperamentally unsuited to long journeys by sea. And since it’s rather doubtful they swam the Stormwall to get here, I can scarcely fathom what poor soul managed their transport.\n

Elric Chapman's Journal #89

The Baffling Buffalo

This morning I awoke to some strange snorting noises. In my befuddled state, I confess I at first believed it to be mother’s snoring. But as I recovered my wits, I realized I was far from the settlement, and that the grunts were clearly animal in nature. It became clear that one of the bison was sniffing at the door to my tent.\n\nI sat perfectly still, fearing I would disturb the beast and squander this opportunity for up-close observation. He poked and prodded at a few loose sundries, then mouthed the tentpoles for a bit before he wandered off. When I finally deemed it safe to venture out, I realized the beast had made off with my bag of rations!\n\nI was able to follow at a safe distance, and snatch back my stolen property when it went for a drink in the river. I can hear it groaning in the distance, as if to lament the loss of my bushel of apples and mother’s elderberry pie. It might sound crazy, but I can’t shake the feeling its huffing has a familiar rhythm to it…\n

Elric Chapman's Journal #92

A Close Encounter

Further investigation is required. But for now, I must return to town, I'm out of pie!\n\nEureka! Today I made a most dazzling discovery!\n\nNear my campsite, I stumbled upon a large sphere not unlike those famously found at the Amrine Temple. I confess, at present, I know not its purpose, but the bison certainly seem perturbed by it. They will not go near the thing, so I sat atop it to finish my lunch safe from their thieving mouths.\n\nIt was there, eating the last of mother’s elderberry pie, that I listened to the bison once more, as they huffed and puffed their annoyance at my presence. Seated atop the sphere I realized where I had heard the rhythm of their panting before: at the Amrine Temple.\n\nThere, if you stand amidst the other spheres on a particularly still day, you can hear the sound of the old machinery groan and settle in the soil. There is an audible rhythm to the place—the same familiar drumbeat of the bison’s every breath. They are repeating the song of the spheres! I don’t know what this means, but it is a link between the beasts and the ancient peoples of this land.\n\nI must return to the settlement immediately and document what I have learned. Further investigation is required, and, what’s worse—I am out of pie!\n

Notes on Buffalo Chapter - NWGuide Database of Lore

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