Ascension, the Scriveners, and the University
We finally have reached Ascension but the city is not the center of learning it was when we left.
As we entered the city, everyone was required to hand over their books to have them inspected by the Scriveners and have their mark updated. In my day, a Scrivener mark was a simple indication of the scribe guild that made the copy. Now, however, it looks more like governmental censorship. Books are “reviewed” before the mark is applied.
I was able to only hand over two of my many books by a clever explanation of the arcane situation. Unfortunately, one of the books I was forced to pass over was my journal. It seemed innocuous at the time, but soon I would get additional information that would change this view.
Since entering the city, it has become increasingly clear that the Patriarch runs Ascension as a theocracy. Church enforcers roam the streets. The University shows the greatest impact. Here, scientific investigation has been replaced by religious doctrine. All of this close mindedness appears to stem from the fact that the Patriarch was the first to reappear after the fall with divine powers. This, combined with the complete destruction of the existing university hierarchy, has allowed the church to dictate magical theory.
We have met with the Patriarch, and there is something wrong with him. I cannot fully determine the nature of the issue, but I suspect that he may6 be under the influence of an outside force.
I have recovered my tomes, and the party has established a source of income. I will continue to build influence with the University and, hopefully, I can reestablish a proper research group.
In the meantime, there is a crashed Aerie near to Ascension. If I can examine the dualistic elements that make up the power room, I may be able to determine precisely what occurred during the Fall. Unfortunately, the undead army that was threatening Ascension at the time of the Fall seems to be reestablishing itself on the mountain.
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