Written By Aislin
Dec. 16, 2016, 9:06 a.m.(5/24/1005 AR)
I didn't really know Baron Eos Saik particularly well; we sparred a bit not long after I returned to the city, and I met him—and his lion—in the stacks of the Archive a few times. I had looked forward to someday knowing him better.
He seemed a good man, a kindred spirit when it came to a hunger to know the shape of our world.
I hope that didn't contribute to his death.
He seemed a good man, a kindred spirit when it came to a hunger to know the shape of our world.
I hope that didn't contribute to his death.
Written By Aislin
Dec. 12, 2016, 8:31 p.m.(5/14/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Cybele
For two from such different cultures, I found a surprising amount of common ground with Walker Cybele. Including an appreciation of treehouses.
I find myself looking forward to future discussions.
I find myself looking forward to future discussions.
Written By Aislin
Dec. 11, 2016, 1 a.m.(5/8/1005 AR)
I think... perhaps I should go camp in the Forest for a while. Get out of the city walls.
Written By Aislin
Dec. 10, 2016, 4:54 p.m.(5/7/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Mason
I can only imagine that your decision to write your journals in Eurusi causes no end of headaches to the Censor Librorum, my friend. Still, they could do with the practice; learning another language or three is good for the mind.
Thank you for the drink, and the talk; I always find I have much to think about after our discussions.
Thank you for the drink, and the talk; I always find I have much to think about after our discussions.
Written By Aislin
Dec. 10, 2016, 1:04 p.m.(5/7/1005 AR)
So, then: I say I should write my travels and findings in white journals. Let's make good on that, shall we? Chapter One of this effort, I suppose. I'll begin with runes, the topic I am most often approached about.
I've personally encountered these runic inscriptions on a number of items. An inscribed tablet, various items of strange jewelry, brass trinkets found almost exclusively near Southport, and such.
I've been able to distinguish differences among inscriptions, and most I've found lately seem to fall into two categories. One I associate predominantly with jewelry, and the majority of samples seem to be found in the Lyceum. The other I associate nearly exclusively with a group known as the Metallic Order, a near-mythical group of reportedly unaging (but it appears not, sadly, unkillable) champions who history records largely gave their lives to protect the realm.
At first, I believed these runes were a writing system. Then I learned they were, if anything, more ideographs than actual writing; the earliest writings I could find on them are centuries old, and they date the symbols back to the Age of Dreams. Each one representing a concept more than a letter or word. I began attempting to categorize them, to draw parallels between both of them.
After months and months of research -- and a great deal of help from many others -- we found that the runes represent /no/ language whatsoever. While some of the runes may have symbolic meaning, it's only meaning in the way a sword in a painting might represent battle. Or standing firm against an enemy. Or conquest.
So these runes are more of what an artist's signature on a painting might be; the designs flow almost impulsively, like how that painter might sign their work slightly differently depending on their mood. And like a signature represents a particular painter, these runic patterns represent individual magic-workers, or perhaps entire schools of magic-working.
Sadly, this means that no, I cannot translate those inscriptions for anyone; I know that disappoints a downright alarming number of people who, having heard me speak on runes at the Covenant or other places, have recently approached me to ask if I can do so.
Believe me, no one is more disappointed than I am that the runes are a mere byproduct of magic, a signature, and therefore presumably not a key to actually understanding it.
But it does make it theoretically possible to identify the source of a given relic or artifact, by comparing the runes to the existing known samples. You could, perhaps, also use it to identify a 'lineage', such as who had taught who; I don't have enough differing samples to be certain of that.
And knowing where things came from, being able to begin to trace their history, well, it may still help a bit to chase a little of the darkness and ignorance away.
I've personally encountered these runic inscriptions on a number of items. An inscribed tablet, various items of strange jewelry, brass trinkets found almost exclusively near Southport, and such.
I've been able to distinguish differences among inscriptions, and most I've found lately seem to fall into two categories. One I associate predominantly with jewelry, and the majority of samples seem to be found in the Lyceum. The other I associate nearly exclusively with a group known as the Metallic Order, a near-mythical group of reportedly unaging (but it appears not, sadly, unkillable) champions who history records largely gave their lives to protect the realm.
At first, I believed these runes were a writing system. Then I learned they were, if anything, more ideographs than actual writing; the earliest writings I could find on them are centuries old, and they date the symbols back to the Age of Dreams. Each one representing a concept more than a letter or word. I began attempting to categorize them, to draw parallels between both of them.
After months and months of research -- and a great deal of help from many others -- we found that the runes represent /no/ language whatsoever. While some of the runes may have symbolic meaning, it's only meaning in the way a sword in a painting might represent battle. Or standing firm against an enemy. Or conquest.
So these runes are more of what an artist's signature on a painting might be; the designs flow almost impulsively, like how that painter might sign their work slightly differently depending on their mood. And like a signature represents a particular painter, these runic patterns represent individual magic-workers, or perhaps entire schools of magic-working.
Sadly, this means that no, I cannot translate those inscriptions for anyone; I know that disappoints a downright alarming number of people who, having heard me speak on runes at the Covenant or other places, have recently approached me to ask if I can do so.
Believe me, no one is more disappointed than I am that the runes are a mere byproduct of magic, a signature, and therefore presumably not a key to actually understanding it.
But it does make it theoretically possible to identify the source of a given relic or artifact, by comparing the runes to the existing known samples. You could, perhaps, also use it to identify a 'lineage', such as who had taught who; I don't have enough differing samples to be certain of that.
And knowing where things came from, being able to begin to trace their history, well, it may still help a bit to chase a little of the darkness and ignorance away.
Written By Aislin
Dec. 10, 2016, 12:34 p.m.(5/7/1005 AR)
There's nothing unique about Ashford as a house, so far as I know; we have no hidden destinies, no ties to prophecy, no guardianships, or elven blood. Our sole distinguishing trait is a desire to see the world... the good and the bad. To know, to understand. That trait is burned deeply into our blood, and it has driven me onwards my entire life.
But I often feel as though I'm staggering around an unlit cave of /ignorance/, feeling my way along the walls and praying I don't fall into a chasm! Trusting to intuition and blind luck to see me through, hoping that I don't do more harm than good as I blunder around in the dark. I want to /understand/, I want to know, not just... just fumble around and pray for the best!
I've known for a very long time there was more to the world than people wanted to admit. I'd seen evidence of magic, of the elves, of relics that should not exist. Tales of magic that aren't known outside of a handful of villages. And whenever I brought back tales of what I'd seen, few wanted to believe. "Direwolves? Those are a fairy tale." "Dragons? Ha!" "Elves? Are you a child?" "Really, you believe magic ever existed?" "Pfft. The Metallic Order? Yeah, like there were ever immortal mages like unto demigods out there."
It's the sort of thing which encourages you to start keeping things to yourself, lest you be thought insane. (Or start developing a strong desire to punch people who laugh.)
But now we live in a world where we are seeking an alliance with sarcastic elves in order to fight other elves (reportedly less 'sarcastic', more 'mind shatteringly evil'), and demons, and also an army of the /literal actual undead/. A world where people within the city walls vanish in a mysterious manner, seemingly wiped from the world. A world where blood magic rituals are used to summon abyssal beasts for gods-only-know what reasons, although I do not imagine they're pleasant for anyone (other than the beast and its masters, at least).
Many of us hold a few pieces of some grand mosiac of the world, shattered long ago and scattered across the realm. Bits of that mosiac are deeply unpleasant, and bits of it are gloriously beautiful, but none of us can see the whole of it so long as we all hold on to those little fragments. And if we cannot see the whole -- or at least, a good portion -- I really don't think we're ready for what's ahead.
After all, our enemies rely on ignorance and disbelief, the idea that we won't share or won't believe what others share. That if we keep what we learn to ourselves it can be more easily stamped out, and we'll be left defenseless and unprepared.
I've done my best to counter this; I founded the Society of Explorers as a place to try to fight back against this ignorance. In the hopes that we'll share the things we learn, and the genuine belief that if we do -- if enough of us feel our way through that unlit cave I've stumbled through so long -- we might just find our way. I've been willing to share the things I learn, at least those I'm not sworn to discretion on, with those who seek me out. With the Covenant, and the Society, and all the other groups that have come together to try to put together the pieces of that mosaic.
But there's one place I've failed: I still write so many of my travelogues, of my theories and research, in black journals.
And perhaps... perhaps it's time I stopped doing that. Perhaps it's time I just started putting those in white journals, for all to see.
But I often feel as though I'm staggering around an unlit cave of /ignorance/, feeling my way along the walls and praying I don't fall into a chasm! Trusting to intuition and blind luck to see me through, hoping that I don't do more harm than good as I blunder around in the dark. I want to /understand/, I want to know, not just... just fumble around and pray for the best!
I've known for a very long time there was more to the world than people wanted to admit. I'd seen evidence of magic, of the elves, of relics that should not exist. Tales of magic that aren't known outside of a handful of villages. And whenever I brought back tales of what I'd seen, few wanted to believe. "Direwolves? Those are a fairy tale." "Dragons? Ha!" "Elves? Are you a child?" "Really, you believe magic ever existed?" "Pfft. The Metallic Order? Yeah, like there were ever immortal mages like unto demigods out there."
It's the sort of thing which encourages you to start keeping things to yourself, lest you be thought insane. (Or start developing a strong desire to punch people who laugh.)
But now we live in a world where we are seeking an alliance with sarcastic elves in order to fight other elves (reportedly less 'sarcastic', more 'mind shatteringly evil'), and demons, and also an army of the /literal actual undead/. A world where people within the city walls vanish in a mysterious manner, seemingly wiped from the world. A world where blood magic rituals are used to summon abyssal beasts for gods-only-know what reasons, although I do not imagine they're pleasant for anyone (other than the beast and its masters, at least).
Many of us hold a few pieces of some grand mosiac of the world, shattered long ago and scattered across the realm. Bits of that mosiac are deeply unpleasant, and bits of it are gloriously beautiful, but none of us can see the whole of it so long as we all hold on to those little fragments. And if we cannot see the whole -- or at least, a good portion -- I really don't think we're ready for what's ahead.
After all, our enemies rely on ignorance and disbelief, the idea that we won't share or won't believe what others share. That if we keep what we learn to ourselves it can be more easily stamped out, and we'll be left defenseless and unprepared.
I've done my best to counter this; I founded the Society of Explorers as a place to try to fight back against this ignorance. In the hopes that we'll share the things we learn, and the genuine belief that if we do -- if enough of us feel our way through that unlit cave I've stumbled through so long -- we might just find our way. I've been willing to share the things I learn, at least those I'm not sworn to discretion on, with those who seek me out. With the Covenant, and the Society, and all the other groups that have come together to try to put together the pieces of that mosaic.
But there's one place I've failed: I still write so many of my travelogues, of my theories and research, in black journals.
And perhaps... perhaps it's time I stopped doing that. Perhaps it's time I just started putting those in white journals, for all to see.
Written By Aislin
Dec. 10, 2016, 9 a.m.(5/6/1005 AR)
It is remarkably difficult to get undead entrails out of clothing. The laundress actually fainted.
I really rather liked that shirt; it's unfortunate it had to be burned.
I really rather liked that shirt; it's unfortunate it had to be burned.
Written By Aislin
Dec. 9, 2016, 9:47 p.m.(5/5/1005 AR)
A chance to leave the city walls again.
Gods and spirits, but that feels good. Even though I have my worries about what might happen on this trip, I still feel like a weight's been lifted, like I can spread my arms and *breathe* again. Maybe I just need to go run through the woods every so often, to clear my head of the noise and crowds of the city.
Still, there's always risk when one leaves the city.
Gods and spirits, but that feels good. Even though I have my worries about what might happen on this trip, I still feel like a weight's been lifted, like I can spread my arms and *breathe* again. Maybe I just need to go run through the woods every so often, to clear my head of the noise and crowds of the city.
Still, there's always risk when one leaves the city.
Written By Aislin
Dec. 8, 2016, 2:45 p.m.(5/1/1005 AR)
It feels strange to have taken this week off from my own investigations and studies. But there's just... so much else to work on.
Trying to polish my language skills, getting things organized to formally recognize Explorer's Society membership, trying to get things squared away for the Society's first expedition (it's important to get permission and backing BEFORE sending folks out into the wilderness on something like I intend), and so on. It was time for a break, to ensure I could focus on everything else.
*Next* week, however, I have a few things I definitely want to look into...
Trying to polish my language skills, getting things organized to formally recognize Explorer's Society membership, trying to get things squared away for the Society's first expedition (it's important to get permission and backing BEFORE sending folks out into the wilderness on something like I intend), and so on. It was time for a break, to ensure I could focus on everything else.
*Next* week, however, I have a few things I definitely want to look into...
Written By Aislin
Dec. 8, 2016, 2:53 a.m.(4/28/1005 AR)
Since it seems to be a popular topic of white journals lately, allow me to share my own secret to avoiding marriage proposals: just to make a point to be out in the middle of the woods, or in some ancient catacomb or ruin, as often as possible. You see, I've found that it's remarkably hard for suitors to find you when you're four days ride from the nearest sign of civilization. Or, alternatively, on a ship off the coast of the Wastes.
(And if they somehow *do* track you that far just to ask, it's probably at least worth listening.)
(And if they somehow *do* track you that far just to ask, it's probably at least worth listening.)
Written By Aislin
Dec. 5, 2016, 1:57 a.m.(4/19/1005 AR)
Gods and spirits, that was more people packed into a single room than I expected to encounter. I suppose you could say the Explorer's Society was a success!
I did my best to spread a bit of useful information around, hopefully seeding a bit more. And Cara's suggestion was a good one, to send people out to see what information they can find here, just to see how well the groups they form can do as a team.
Gods know, we have enough things that need looking into outside of the city. And as much as I'd like to, there's no chance whatsoever I can look into it all myself. So if this can help find a few reliable exploring parties to send out on things, that's all I can hope for.
After all, Orazio's little band certainly proved effective, moreso than I had feared we would. Enough to remind me that adventuring alone isn't *always* the best -- or correct -- choice.
I did my best to spread a bit of useful information around, hopefully seeding a bit more. And Cara's suggestion was a good one, to send people out to see what information they can find here, just to see how well the groups they form can do as a team.
Gods know, we have enough things that need looking into outside of the city. And as much as I'd like to, there's no chance whatsoever I can look into it all myself. So if this can help find a few reliable exploring parties to send out on things, that's all I can hope for.
After all, Orazio's little band certainly proved effective, moreso than I had feared we would. Enough to remind me that adventuring alone isn't *always* the best -- or correct -- choice.
Written By Aislin
Dec. 4, 2016, 1:21 p.m.(4/17/1005 AR)
When I was younger, I used to imagine myself exploring the world with a partner at my side, a bit like Lou and Mason have done. But the truth was, as I got older, I never found a partner, and so I chose to explore alone.
There have been occasional companions on one expedition or another, and friends I've made along the way. But in general? I've traveled alone.
I'd forgotten how pleasant it can be, sometimes, to have a few people with you. To not have to do everything yourself. And especially when everyone has their own varied skills; there's a sense of balance to the traveling party you never have when it's just one—or even two—with shared interests exploring together.
Lady Eirene, Lady Kima, Lord Victus, Archlector Orazio. Not necessarily the traveling party I would have traditionally chosen for that recent trip. And yet it worked well; we achieved our goals and returned safely. Maybe we'll have a chance to do so again, sometime.
There have been occasional companions on one expedition or another, and friends I've made along the way. But in general? I've traveled alone.
I'd forgotten how pleasant it can be, sometimes, to have a few people with you. To not have to do everything yourself. And especially when everyone has their own varied skills; there's a sense of balance to the traveling party you never have when it's just one—or even two—with shared interests exploring together.
Lady Eirene, Lady Kima, Lord Victus, Archlector Orazio. Not necessarily the traveling party I would have traditionally chosen for that recent trip. And yet it worked well; we achieved our goals and returned safely. Maybe we'll have a chance to do so again, sometime.
Written By Aislin
Dec. 3, 2016, 9:49 p.m.(4/15/1005 AR)
I'm starting to see runes in my sleep.
It's not that I don't appreciate a good intellectual puzzle, mind you; this has certainly been something to keep my mind active for months. And months. And months.
And I am definitely making progress in attempting to translate them! My talent for languages proving to be useful is actually a bit gratifying.
But I swear, I may need to take a break in a bit. Just to clear my brain for a week.
It's not that I don't appreciate a good intellectual puzzle, mind you; this has certainly been something to keep my mind active for months. And months. And months.
And I am definitely making progress in attempting to translate them! My talent for languages proving to be useful is actually a bit gratifying.
But I swear, I may need to take a break in a bit. Just to clear my brain for a week.
Written By Aislin
Nov. 27, 2016, 3:22 a.m.(3/23/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Dawn
Lady Regent Dawn has risen quite high of late, and I can think of no one who more richly deserves the recognition. (Though I must admit I pity her for the attendant workload.)
While it's true that House Ashford owes loyalty to House Grayson, and so I had every reason to be deferential and loyal to her while she was the Voice of that House, all of our interactions taught me that she has one of the keener minds I've encountered in the city, and a loyalty to those she represents that inspires similar loyalty in return.
Still, I do regret somewhat the loss of more regular chats with her ever-increasing duties. I always enjoy the rare chances when we can have a debate over theories about some point of obscure history, or even just discuss my past adventures. On some level, despite the wild difference in our circumstances, I think she's a kindred spirit: in some other life where duty did not bind her, she might be out in the wilderness alongside all the other explorers.
While it's true that House Ashford owes loyalty to House Grayson, and so I had every reason to be deferential and loyal to her while she was the Voice of that House, all of our interactions taught me that she has one of the keener minds I've encountered in the city, and a loyalty to those she represents that inspires similar loyalty in return.
Still, I do regret somewhat the loss of more regular chats with her ever-increasing duties. I always enjoy the rare chances when we can have a debate over theories about some point of obscure history, or even just discuss my past adventures. On some level, despite the wild difference in our circumstances, I think she's a kindred spirit: in some other life where duty did not bind her, she might be out in the wilderness alongside all the other explorers.
Written By Aislin
Nov. 27, 2016, 3:09 a.m.(3/23/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Iovita
Lady Iovita Igniseri. Where to begin?
A sharp mind coupled with a terrifying amount of energy, perhaps. Or the mischievous streak she has.
Either way, I quite enjoyed chatting with her about a research project, and look forward to continued lessons with her. I could easily see her as a protege; I do hope her brothers won't take it too amiss if I haul her off into the wilderness as my apprentice. I'm sure she'd adore some of the more picturesque ruins I've seen.
More seriously, she makes me miss my own younger sister Olivia, who I see far too rarely of late. Even though Iovita and Olivia could not be more different in temperament. (In truth, Iovita's personality is likely far closer to my own when I was younger than to Olivia's at any stage of her life. Which both gives me quite a bit of amusement, and perhaps some level of sympathy for what I must have put both Harlan and my father through.)
A sharp mind coupled with a terrifying amount of energy, perhaps. Or the mischievous streak she has.
Either way, I quite enjoyed chatting with her about a research project, and look forward to continued lessons with her. I could easily see her as a protege; I do hope her brothers won't take it too amiss if I haul her off into the wilderness as my apprentice. I'm sure she'd adore some of the more picturesque ruins I've seen.
More seriously, she makes me miss my own younger sister Olivia, who I see far too rarely of late. Even though Iovita and Olivia could not be more different in temperament. (In truth, Iovita's personality is likely far closer to my own when I was younger than to Olivia's at any stage of her life. Which both gives me quite a bit of amusement, and perhaps some level of sympathy for what I must have put both Harlan and my father through.)
Written By Aislin
Nov. 18, 2016, 10:06 p.m.(2/26/1005 AR)
And so the doors are thrown open, secret histories and hidden villains tossed out into the streets for all to see.
It's a relief, in many ways.
Those of us who have been out in the wilds, those of us who have traveled the less-settled parts of Arvum, we've long known that there was more to the world than most would believe. Or even more than most would want to hear; such things are often dismissed as stories, myths.
But the facts of our history are out there to be found. Carved into the walls of ancient ruined fortresses, written into the surviving scraps of ancient journals. Records of ancient betrayals and alliances. Hints of wars fought with things greater than any weapon we could now forge.
How much have we forgotten? How much have we lost?
Those questions are no small part of what has always driven me on my expeditions into the wilds.
I want so badly to believe that the darkness responsible cannot survive out in the open, now that the secrets are exposed. That the architects of so much pain will be unmasked and brought to justice for their crimes.
But perhaps most of all, I want the chance to piece the lost and scattered fragments of our history -- our true history -- back together again.
And gods willing, we're taking the first steps on that road.
It's a relief, in many ways.
Those of us who have been out in the wilds, those of us who have traveled the less-settled parts of Arvum, we've long known that there was more to the world than most would believe. Or even more than most would want to hear; such things are often dismissed as stories, myths.
But the facts of our history are out there to be found. Carved into the walls of ancient ruined fortresses, written into the surviving scraps of ancient journals. Records of ancient betrayals and alliances. Hints of wars fought with things greater than any weapon we could now forge.
How much have we forgotten? How much have we lost?
Those questions are no small part of what has always driven me on my expeditions into the wilds.
I want so badly to believe that the darkness responsible cannot survive out in the open, now that the secrets are exposed. That the architects of so much pain will be unmasked and brought to justice for their crimes.
But perhaps most of all, I want the chance to piece the lost and scattered fragments of our history -- our true history -- back together again.
And gods willing, we're taking the first steps on that road.
Written By Aislin
Nov. 13, 2016, 8:57 p.m.(2/11/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Freja
I'd never really had a chance to speak with Princess Freja; I'm glad I was able to remedy that. She seems like a kindred spirit in many ways, and I actually find myself looking forward to the next time we can talk.
If nothing else, it's wonderful to find someone else crazy enough to walk willingly into the depths of the Everwinter, just to learn more of it.
If nothing else, it's wonderful to find someone else crazy enough to walk willingly into the depths of the Everwinter, just to learn more of it.
Written By Aislin
Nov. 13, 2016, 8:50 p.m.(2/11/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Lazarus
I admit, I haven't talked to Lazarus Mercier in years. We knew each other as children, what with the Mercier Vineyard so close to Ashford Keep.
I'm actually a little surprised he remembers me kindly; I'm afraid I was rather horrible to him during my prank-adventure phase. Poor Lazarus ended up the target of one of most notable and deeply convoluted pranks, in fact. (Harlan, if you're reading this... yes, I do mean the one that got me in trouble with father. The one involving the watchtowers, a rope trap, a waterskin, and a number of other items.)
Still, he's interested in establishing closer business ties to Ashford, and he did send me a tea I haven't had in a very long time. And it would be nice to catch up with a childhood acquaintance.
Though, admittedly, it is a bit tempting to pull a prank on him. Just for old time's sake...
I'm actually a little surprised he remembers me kindly; I'm afraid I was rather horrible to him during my prank-adventure phase. Poor Lazarus ended up the target of one of most notable and deeply convoluted pranks, in fact. (Harlan, if you're reading this... yes, I do mean the one that got me in trouble with father. The one involving the watchtowers, a rope trap, a waterskin, and a number of other items.)
Still, he's interested in establishing closer business ties to Ashford, and he did send me a tea I haven't had in a very long time. And it would be nice to catch up with a childhood acquaintance.
Though, admittedly, it is a bit tempting to pull a prank on him. Just for old time's sake...
Written By Aislin
Nov. 13, 2016, 1:32 a.m.(2/9/1005 AR)
Looking at it logically, the last thing in the world I need is a puppy.
My brother has returned to Ashford Keep to tend to our father, leaving me to act as Voice of Ashford in Arx. Aside from family business, I've got personal research to work on relating to about three different matters, I have the Explorer's Society to finalize, and honestly, if I'm acting for Ashford, we really should have a proper house for the family here within the city walls.
The last thing in the world I need is a puppy to train, to housebreak, and to teach how to defend a camp and keep watch in the wilderness. It's one more thing to do when I'm already busy.
On the other hand, puppies.
So, of *course* I am going to take Lady Dawn up on her offer of a puppy from the Grayson kennels.
It's not as if there was really any question.
My brother has returned to Ashford Keep to tend to our father, leaving me to act as Voice of Ashford in Arx. Aside from family business, I've got personal research to work on relating to about three different matters, I have the Explorer's Society to finalize, and honestly, if I'm acting for Ashford, we really should have a proper house for the family here within the city walls.
The last thing in the world I need is a puppy to train, to housebreak, and to teach how to defend a camp and keep watch in the wilderness. It's one more thing to do when I'm already busy.
On the other hand, puppies.
So, of *course* I am going to take Lady Dawn up on her offer of a puppy from the Grayson kennels.
It's not as if there was really any question.
Written By Aislin
Nov. 12, 2016, 4:19 p.m.(2/8/1005 AR)
I think I am very nearly ready to launch the Explorer's Society, with only one major roadblock still in my way: where in Arx could we use as a lasting headquarters?
In particular, I want space for a library. Because a Society library would, I think, be a great benefit to everyone in the Society. Someone could simply browse through the room, finding maps or copies of relics that spark a connection with something they themselves have found, leading to new insights or even ideas for future expeditions.
The originals would still be donated to the Archive of Vellichor, of course; that's the only proper place for such. But a place to share maps, journals, and discoveries? I think there's a place for that in the city.
After all, I have rubbings of most of the relics I have contributed, copies of documents I've found, and similar records all safely stored away. It saves me time in referring to them when I plan future expeditions, rather than having to retrieve them from the Archive every time I wish to refer to them. No doubt others have similar collections of their own.
But where to base the Society that would have room for such a thing? Perhaps, instead, I should simply start the Society and then try to gather support to build us a facility of our own.
In particular, I want space for a library. Because a Society library would, I think, be a great benefit to everyone in the Society. Someone could simply browse through the room, finding maps or copies of relics that spark a connection with something they themselves have found, leading to new insights or even ideas for future expeditions.
The originals would still be donated to the Archive of Vellichor, of course; that's the only proper place for such. But a place to share maps, journals, and discoveries? I think there's a place for that in the city.
After all, I have rubbings of most of the relics I have contributed, copies of documents I've found, and similar records all safely stored away. It saves me time in referring to them when I plan future expeditions, rather than having to retrieve them from the Archive every time I wish to refer to them. No doubt others have similar collections of their own.
But where to base the Society that would have room for such a thing? Perhaps, instead, I should simply start the Society and then try to gather support to build us a facility of our own.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.