Hail, Sapience.

After a slew of truly involved presentations by the representatives of the various races that call our world home, we enter now the Age of Seleucar, dedicated to the first and greatest of our Empires.

[ AGE OF SELEUCAR ]

The story of Seleucar is a tale for the ages, but in this Age, we concentrate upon its founding. This prophesised city was sought and built through a man's single-minded determination, his superlative ability to inspire and convince, and a touch of Logosian blessing. This man, of course, is Nikolas - later Nicator.

With the support of his once-rival Severian, as well as other valued allies, and the power of the Staff of Nicator, Nicator united the continent under the banner of Seleucar to prepare for the coming Black Wave. When the Tsol'teth finally emerged during his son Piraeus' reign, the overlanders succeeded in defeating them through a tri-city effort and the timely rebellion of Matic Ridley.

= EVENTS =

In honour of past legends, put your wits to the test as Nikolas and Severian did in the Seleucarian Debate Series, a two-part event hosted by Nissa of the Lucretian Athenaeum.

The current Lord and Lady of the Crossing will also organise tours of the Keep at Nicator's Crossing, an important historical landmark for providing succour to those traversing the difficult crossing in centuries past.

Expect also a brief overview of the Tsol'teth, they who were the most bitter enemies of Seleucar. See UPCOMING for further details.

= EXHIBITS =

The third of four Seleucarian locations - the debate hall of the Selicande Lyceum - now resides north and east from the Aster Crossroads. PONDER the PODIUM within to catch a glimpse of ancient debates. This window into the past will only last one month, so ensure you visit.

We also welcome the return of the Path of Seleucar, a self-guided adventure. This route follows, as closely as possible, the original path that Nikolas and Severian took as they brought Seleucar into being. Retrace their steps and look out for the monoliths that explain the significance of each location as you proceed along the way.

= JOURNAL =

Your Festival participation will be tracked - by yourself - in a journal of your choosing. To qualify as completing this Age, you must cover at least ONE (1) of the following in your designated journal:

1. Attend any of the presentations or exhibits and write down your thoughts on what you saw, heard and learned. See UPCOMING for a list.

or

a) Explore: Follow the Path of Seleucar from its beginning to its conclusion, answering the questions upon each monolith along the way. OR, visit the Seleucarian exhibit in the Asterian Restoration and listen to the debates presented.

b) Engage: Play a round of Sojourn, a fabled child's game of the Tsol'teth, at the mezzanine reading floor in the Asterian Athenaeum. This will be available later in the month. OR, participate in a Matsuhaman Arena game of Royal Guard to defend a Regent, just as the royals Catarin and Mycale were defended.

c) Educate: Review the first volume of the Seleucarian Empire, and compile your thoughts on the tale within. This should be found within any library, or the Ingram Cairo Memorial Library also possesses one.

You may complete more than one task if you wish. This journal, ultimately, records your journey and growth.

Note: These tasks can be completed at any time, so long as it is before the end of the Festival. You do not need to complete Age of Seleucar tasks only in this Age, as we understand schedules can be unaccommodating. Events, of course, are time-limited.

= MISCELLANEOUS =

1. The Grand Bazaar, the largest bazaar in modern history, continues upon the Asterian Peninsula with around 25 carts stocking wares and goods from all over Sapience. See Public news #22289, or the poster at the portal on Meropis.

2. View the artwork and curios on display at the gallery of the Anchors Acreage in the Shamtota Hills (coordinates 56264 on most maps), and decide if you want to bid on any during the upcoming Historical Art and Artefacts Auction.

3. We are still accepting applications for the Asterian Masquerade. Information in Public news #22220.

As always, ENTER the PORTAL in central New Thera for easy access to the Asterian Restoration. We look forward to your participation in our Festival.

Regards,

Jurixe S. Nithilar
representing the Asterian Restoration

Penned by my hand on the 11th of Chronos, in the year 977 AF.