Hail, Sapience.

We have seen the fall of the greatest Empire that was, and learned of the players that contributed to its demise, as well as experienced - in some small way - the aftereffects of that destruction. That is where ancient history ends, and so we now enter an Age devoted to the modern times: the Age of Civilisation.

[ AGE OF CIVILISATION ]

If Seleucar's demise marked a great loss for civilisation, we should thus highlight the advances that we have made in the centuries since. What might idealistic Nicator think of what we have achieved now?

From Imperial Ashtan and Shallam grew new cities, each with their own distinct ideologies, style of government, and way of life. Even these have been mutable throughout our near thousand-year modern history. Destroyed Shallam became Targossas, the Dawnspear, which became the Hearth. Cyrene, Heart of the Vashnars, became Oceanus' Gate. Every change, every iteration, has shaped the climate of our world.

= EVENTS =

With this Age dedicated to the respective cities and Village of Sapience, you shall witness carefully prepared showcases by each civilisation that display a glimpse of life within them.

See UPCOMING for further details.

= EXHIBITS =

The fourth and final Seleucarian location - the Main Office of the Consulate - now temporarily resides at the Asterian Restoration by the grace of Lord Scarlatti until the next Serenade. PEER at the TABLE to see correspondence from ages long past. Images of the previous are preserved at the mezzanine reading floor, where the Sojourn table is also temporarily available.

The HIMS Iridescent Moon now floats south and west from the portal to the Asterian Restoration, and all are invited to visit. Look closely at what lies within.

Choose and yield two memories to contribute to the Orb of Memories in the Asterian Restoration. Details are in Public post #22301.

The Path of Seleucar remains: a self-guided adventure that follows, as closely as possible, Nikolas and Severian's original journey to found Seleucar. Retrace their steps from the first monolith at the centre of New Thera and look out for the clues at the end that take you to the next.

= 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: Civilisation always leaves its mark in the artifacts it creates. Explore the artifacts around the Asterian Restoration OR the Obsidian Tower in Nimick (map coordinates 36325) OR any city museum. Which artifact intrigues you the most, and why?

b) Engage: Seek out someone from a city different to yours, and exchange thoughts on your way of life. Why have they chosen that city to live in, and why not your own?

c) Educate: Read any document that is foundational to any adventurer city or the village of Eleusis. (Example: The Seven Truths for Mhaldor, the Ruinous Accords for Ashtan, and so on). Write your thoughts on this document and how they influence the inhabitants of that civilisation.

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 the Sundering 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 6th of Miraman, in the year 978 AF.