Hail, Sapience.

From the devastation wrought by the Worldreaver, we emerged into a much-changed world less an ancient city, the Dragon Ashaxei, and a now-consolidated Pantheon. Many thought that we would never see an event of such destructive scope again. But then...the Crown Prince of Woe revealed himself, and the Age of Black Woe began.

Please note: this is the final Age of the Asterian Festival of History.

[ AGE OF BLACK WOE ]

Black Pazuzu's name has been a consistent imprint through the fabric of our histories. From the earliest days of supporting rebellion's instigators during the War of Humanity and inciting the Tsol'teth against Seleucar, to manipulating the plane of Memory and unleashing the Wanderer to proclaim a new Triumvirate in more present times, every touch has resulted in dire consequence.

In the final chapter of his ascendance, he unlocked the full powers of the Relics of Proteus and used them to commit a long list of crimes: free King Slith, corrupt the Tree of Yggdrasil, destroy the Garden of the Gods, occupy the Memory of Shallam, declare himself a New God, and launch a new war upon the Pantheon. Only through collective effort - from mortal and Divine alike - was the Crown Prince of the Inferno finally defeated once and for all.

= EVENTS =

The last of the Historical Art and Artifact Auctions begins at the Delosian Auctioneers, with a special lot containing a unique relic offered by Lord Scarlatti.

Various presentations on different Divine continue: Lords Neraeos, Prospero, and Khalas.

Experience a memory to inter and destroy the remains of Black Pazuzu and the subsequent covenant between the Elder God Scarlatti and the Bards of the realm.

Listen to a retelling of the deeds of the Death Knights of Osterrych during the Age of Black Woe.

The Asterian Masquerade will see participants immersed into characters and settings of history, after which the Festival shall enter its closing ceremony.

See UPCOMING for further details.

= EXHIBITS =

Images of the four Seleucarian locations previously transported to the Restoration by Lord Scarlatti 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 by the grace of Lord Neraeos, 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: During the Age of Black Woe, corrupted Yggdrasil claimed many locations, which are now no more. Read about one or more of these destinations (Sparrow's Rest, the Aeraithian Falls, the Caves of Delmarin and more). OR, visit the Chamber of Discovery in the Asterian Athenaeum and open and close the window there to see other locations that are no more, destroyed during the time of the Worldreaver.

b) Engage: In the relic-laden gallery within the Asterian Athenaeum, pick up the crystalline cube and touch it to see scenes from Slith's judgement by the Pantheon for the slaying of Lord Thoth. Write down your thoughts.

c) Educate: Read the saga the Age of Black Woe, from Events news #756 to #780 and beyond, or any tome that details the events of the Age of Black Woe. Write down your thoughts.

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 Black Woe 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. This is your last chance to add memories to the Orb of Memories at our Eleanor Thalos Memorial Arboretum. Visit the Restoration and read the poster to find out how to do so. We strongly encourage it.

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 1st of Lupar, in the year 978 AF.