Hail, Sapience.

Some common questions have surfaced to myself regarding the Living Chronicles. For ease of understanding, I will answer them here.

Q: What is the difference between the stories and the Recollections?

A: Stories (hereafter named Retellings for simplicity) are retellings from your perspective of a significant event, such as the battle of Xhaiden Dale, or the fall of Thera, or the corruption of the Blood Sea, or the unification of Seleucar, so on and so forth. These should be expected to be told verbally, can be longer, and can incorporate some performance elements - but must be able to stand alone as stories even without being performed.

Recollections are shorter memories of minor interactions or events, such as watching a deaf old man crash a ship into the shore, offering to give a hungry fisherman a fish, or seeing an ogre challenge a paramount air elemental. These are shorter, conveyed as memories in the third person, and will not be performed.

See Public news #22829 and #22830 for detailed examples.

Q: Can I contribute a Retelling without performing it?

A: You can, if you wish it. Your tale will still be preserved in the commemorative tome, but without a performance it would not be eligible for public preservation, as it is the performance itself that will be commemorated.

If your hesitation is the public nature of the performance, one workaround is for myself to create an illusory replica of yourself to perform the tale in your stead as long as you provide a performance script. Rest assured I am well-practiced in such things, as you may have seen during the Asterian Festivals. This option is open to all.

Q: What does a 'performance' of a Retelling involve?

A: The very basic definition is that the story must be told in public. Otherwise, the only caveat is that the performative elements should not replace the actual tale. The story itself must make sense on its own in pure written form; the performance is simply embellishment, if you wish. It is of no concern to us if you wish to stand still, or pace around a fire, or add illusions and dance elements as you tell the tale - as long as it is told.

Q: I am not confident in my ability to write or perform...

A: All submissions will receive editing support from myself. If needed, I will edit them according to our criteria and provide justification for your approval, or I can provide guidance for you to further refine your work.

I reiterate: anyone can be a storyteller. You do not need to be a seasoned speaker or performer. Perfection is not the primary goal here, only the initiative. Do not let the fear of flaws prevent the preservation of deserving tales.

Q: Can I make anonymous contributions?

A: You may, but it would preclude you from any possibility of recognition, which seems a shame given the effort contributed. However, I of course would not stop you if that is what you wish.

Q: Can I submit more than one Retelling or Recollection?

A: Yes, as many as you wish and that you have time for. As noted, we reserve the right to edit them as necessary.

Q: What if my topic overlaps with that of someone else?

A: It is of no concern; multiple perspectives are welcomed. An Eleusian's experience of the Worldreaver Saga, for instance, may differ greatly from a Mhaldorian's. Both are equally valid to understand the event in full. However, if this concerns you, you can broach your potential topics with myself and I will indicate if it may be too repetitive.

Q: What do you mean by the Retellings and Recollections being preserved in public?

A: You will have to wait and see to discover the answer, but let us simply say that it is a way for storytellers to make a permanent impression on the world through their tales. This opportunity has never before been offered to adventurers.

Any further questions may be directed to myself, as always.

Regards,

Jurixe S. Nithilar
representing the Asterian Restoration

Penned by my hand on the 11th of Chronos, in the year 996 AF.