Zealian Library & World Books (old)

[Kyronea]

This thread shall be used henceforth for the various text to be placed in the library books of Zeal. Any new additions or changes to old book entries will be edited into this post.

The Sun Keep, a mysterious island laying anchored{line break}
in the far northeastern part of the world...{line break}
we know not of its origins. We only know that it never{line break}
moves despite the constantly shifting continents,{page break}
and that a single ray of light just barely large{line break}
enough to encompass the Sun Stone shines every minute of{line break}
every day no matter what befalls the world around it.{page break}
We Zealians discovered the Sun Stone hidden{line break}
within an alcove behind the shining light centuries ago,{line break}
and its light still has yet to fade. Why the Sun Keep{line break}
was built, as recharging a Sun Stone would take many aeons...{line break}
we may never know.{full break}

A massive nautoloid once dwelled in ancient times{line break}
many millions of years in the past. We have recovered{line break}
ancient hieroglyphics from a species calling themselves{line break}
the Reptites that prove its existance.{page break}
These Reptites captured this nautoloid and used it{line break}
for slave labour until it perished, leaving behind{line break}
a shell that sparkes like a rainbow.{page break}
This Rainbow Shell is rumoured in the Reptite{line break}
hieroglyphics to possess a most uncanny strength{line break}
against magic, making it most suitable for armour.{page break}
The Reptites died out before they could{line break}
utilize the Rainbow Shell, and though Zeal has{line break}
struggled to locate the shell, the author of this{line break}
book suspects it will never be found, unless the ancient{line break}
lair of the Reptites resurfaces in the future.{full break}

A species of sentient dinosaurs once existed in ancient{line break}
times that called themselves the Reptites. We know{line break}
little of this species other than what{line break}
we can piece together from discovered hieroglyphic and ruins.{page break}
The Reptites ruled Earth for many thousands of years{line break}
until a species of apes--what many, including the{line break}
author of this book, believe to be early humans--{line break}
emerged and began to compete with the Reptites for resources.{page break}
Eventually, the Reptites lost the battle thanks to{line break}
a comet or meteor impacting Earth and smashing their{line break}
main city, the Tyrano Lair, apart and altering the{line break}
climate into an Ice Age much like today.{page break}
Many have speculated that had the meteor not landed{line break}
when it did, the early humans would have lost to the{line break}
Reptites. Fortunately for Zeal, we will never know what{line break}
might have happened.{full break}

Once the source of Zeal's power, the Sun Stone is a{line break}
large orb that contains massive amounts of power harnessed{line break}
from the very sun itself.{page break}
The Sun Stone was discovered approximately 500 years prior{line break}
to the publishing of this book in the Sun Keep, and immediately{line break}
proved to be the single most useful resource available to{line break}
the fledgling Zeal Kingdom of the time.{page break}
The Sun Stone is remarkably versatile, capable of granting{line break}
the otherwise magically inept powers, though thankfully none{line break}
to the miserable Earthbound Ones. It also can be used{line break}
to power anything that utilizes electricity.{page break}
The Sun Stone was used for two centuries as the{line break}
power source that kept our magical kingdom afloat, though{line break}
it has since been replaced by the power of Lavos.{page break}
Unfortunately, the Sun Stone does not have much power left{line break}
and has been locked away in the Sun Palace, guarded by{line break}
a magical creature called the Son of Sun. Perhaps if Zeal{line break}
masters time travel one day, the stone may be utilized again.{full break}

Lavos...a mysterious entity that sleeps beneath the waves{line break}
...the new source of Zealian power...what is Lavos?{page break}
Lavos was first discovered fiften years ago by a Zealian{line break}
scientist studying the oceans. The sheer power exuded by{line break}
Lavos was immense, far more powerful than the Sun Stone{line break}
which had been considered impossible by many.{page break}
King Zeal ordered the Guru Balthasar to head up a group{line break}
of scientists to study Lavos, to see if it would be possible{line break}
to harness Lavos' power and use it in place of the Sun Stone{line break}
which had run low on energy after five centuries of use.{page break}
The result of this group was the Mammon Machine, a machine{line break}
manufactured entirely from Dreamstone. The machine channels{line break}
the energy of Lavos and utilizes it for a variety of purposes.{page break}
Though ten years ago King Zeal perished, Queen Zeal continued{line break}
the research, prompting the construction of the Ocean Palace.{line break}
The Palace will allow for the Mammon Machine to be moved{line break}
closer to Lavos, to better facilitate the use of power.{page break}
We still know little about Lavos, but research continues.{line break}
Perhaps one day we will finally understand the full extent{line break}
of Lavos' power.{full break}

Magic...magic is the source of Zealian power, what{line break}
makes us superior to the Earthbound Ones and{line break}
what makes up the fundamental elements of the universe.{line break}
Each person is of and uses one and only one of the elements.{page break}
Four elements make up magic. The first is Light{line break}
commonly though mistakenly referred to as Lightning.{line break}
It represents the holy forces, as well as energy.{line break}
Light can both heal and harm, and even resurrect.{page break}
The second is Fire, a most powerful force. {line break}
Though capable of protecting one from physical forces{line break}
Fire is otherwise completely and totally destructive.{page break}
The third is Water, which is associated with both the{line break}
liquid and ice. It heals primarely, though it can be{line break}
used for destructive purposes if necessary.{page break}
The fourth is Shadow, the element commonly considered{line break}
evil, though it is most certainly not. It merely{line break}
represents dark forces and energies. Any combination{line break}
of the other three elements also results in Shadow.{page break}
Magic is a powerful tool for society to utilize.{line break}
It can be used for good or for evil regardless of element.{line break}
The most holy of Light mages could perform the most vile{line break}
of acts, and the darkest of Shadow mages could save the world.{page break}
Magic should be used carefully and wisely, lest{line break}
it be used to kill us all.{full break}

The Kingdom of Zeal was founded 610 years ago by a group{line break}
of magic-using humans that eventually became the Zeal{line break}
family. At first the Kingdom was limited by the rarity{line break}
of innate mages, which was the cause for a great deal of concern.{page break}
Then 500 years ago a Zealian explorer stumbled upon the{line break}
Sun Keep and found the Sun Stone within, enabling the{line break}
Kingdom to grant many more the power to use magic.{page break}
Unfortunately, not everyone could use magic, creating{line break}
a schism in the population. Eventually the lesser humans{line break}
abandoned the Kingdom and formed their own little nation{line break}
they called Alghetty.{page break}
The Kingdom of Zeal grew in prosperity. Eventually, three{line break}
advisory positions were created: The Guru of Life, the Guru{line break}
of Time, and the Guru of Reason. These Gurus were chosen from{line break}
best intellectual minds of the Zealian scientists.{page break}
279 years ago, the Guru of Reason Bash advised the King at{line break}
the time to consider separating the Kingdom of Zeal from the{line break}
lesser humans once and for all by using magic to lift up land{line break}
and reposition our kingdom in the clouds themselves.{page break}
Over the next 79 years much toil and work went into the project{line break}
as creating a floating kingdom was not an easy task. Finally{line break}
the work was a success, and the Kingdom of Zeal floated above{line break}
the clouds, kept afloat by the Sun Stone.{page break}
In time, all contact with the lesser humans, now known{line break}
as the Earthbound Ones ceased. The only connection{line break}
to the land below were the Skyways allowing passge from{line break}
one island to another.{page break}
To this day, the Kingdom of Zeal prospers as a center of{line break
economic progress, scientific and magical ingenuity, and{line break}
cultural achievements, as it will for many centuries to come.{full break}

Dreamstone is a rare mineral, characterized by a unique red hue{line break}
and crystalline structure. It is amazingly useful for{line break}
channeling energy, especially magical and spirtual energy.{page break}
Dreamstone has often been used by Zeal in the construction{line break}
of magical machines and weaponry. The largest and most{line break}
recent machine built from Dreamstone is the Mammon Machin{line break}
which is used to channel the energy of Lavos.{page break}
Curiously, Dreamstone also can channel dreams themselves{line break}
and if a person is powerful enough magically, they can create{line break}
a new creature.{page break}
Dreamstone is ultimately one of the most useful resources{line break}
the Kingdom of Zeal can utilize. One must only hope that it{line break}
is never used for evil.{full break}

The Dream Species...no one understands what they truly are.{line break}
Mysterious entities created by the channeling of magical{line break}
and spirtual energy through Dreamstone by the most powerful{line break}
of Zealians, they are rare creatures indeed.{page break}
All we know is that such creatures, once created, are ageless{line break}
and powerful mages in their own right. Many such creatures{line break}
inhabit the Kingdom of Zeal, such as the creations of the Guru{line break}
of Life, Masa, Mune, and Doreen.{page break}
It is speculated by some that the Dream Species represent{line break}
just how malleable reality truly is. Some even fear that{line break}
were a Dream Species creature to be created when one is{line break}
full of rage and malice, the resulting creature would be most vile.{page break}
It is the conclusion of this author, however, that such{line break}
a creature would be impossible to create, and as such{line break}
there is no cause for concern. The Dream Species continues{line break}
to be a mystery, and more research must be conducted in the future.{full break}

The Frozen Flame...a mysterious object thought to be the{line break}
catalyst for human evolution into the species we are today{line break}
it had been considered mythological until rediscovered twenty{line break}
years ago by a Zealian explorer.{page break}
Unlike the Sun Stone, it could not be used directly as a source{line break}
of power and thus was merely an object of curiosity to be{line break}
studied, until the discovery of Lavos, when it was realized that{line break}
the energy it emits is identical to that of Lavos.{page break}
As such, the Frozen Flame is used as the core of the Mammon{line break}
Machine now, to focus the energies of Lavos into a useful{line break}
form all of Zeal can use as power.{page break}
Currently, only one who can bond with the Flame magically is{line break}
able to control it and the Mammon Machine. Only Schala Zeal{line break}
the crown princess and heir to the throne is magically powerful{line break}
enough to bond with the Flame.{page break}
The origins of the Frozen Flame are unknown. Many suspect it{line break}
is a fragment of Lavos, though how or why it would come into{line break}
existance remains to be explained, though some use it to suggest{line break}
Lavos intentionally used it to turn us into what we are now.{page break}
As such, they suggest that Lavos is a god to be worshipped{line break}
though many scientists discount this as mere foolishness.{page break}
We may never know the origin of the Frozen Flame, but it is a{line break}
powerful tool in keeping our glorious kingdom prosperous, and{line break}
and as such should be kept safe at all costs.{full break}

[Zakyrus]

VERY nice indeed.

[Kyronea]

Any changes or alterations you'd like me to make? Or perhaps new book entries?

[Zakyrus]

For Reptilian documents, could we have "Reptialian Hyroglyphs" or something along the lines of that?

[Kyronea]

As opposed to just documents? Righto, then. Let me know if there's anything else you want changed/altered/new books created and all that.

[Zakyrus]

Everything else is really good.  Keep up the good work!
Maybe some books on Zeal history (if there's any more even known) or maybe magic they study in plants (I'm going to add a Zeal Garden if I have enough space for locations -- maybe just a small one), knowledge of the elements, etc.

[Kyronea]

Well, the book on Zealian history was mostly speculation as it was, so I'm hesitant to make anything else lest I wildly violate canon by accident, but I'll think on it and see what my brain comes up with.

Plants...of course, the seed! I knew I missed a topic somewhere that could have been covered. As for the other stuff, again, I'll think on it and see what my brain comes up with.

[Zakyrus]

Plants...of course, the seed! I knew I missed a topic somewhere that could have been covered. As for the other stuff, again, I'll think on it and see what my brain comes up with.

Yes! There was one other thing, but it escapes me for the moment.

[Zakyrus]

I can't remember what the other book subject was  (I'll remember later)

Here's some books I finished.

Encyclopedia: Theories, vol 13. ch. 13
The "Cleft of Dimensions" theory is that there is a
quantum dimension on a higher frequency that exists
 along side ours. It is said to be a place where
destroyed worlds end up. Time flows differently there,
this Dimensional Space seems to be endless; containing
uncountable numbers of worlds from various dimensions.
This theory has never been proven.
However, ...
..... (the rest of the page is torn off)


The following are books about new inventory items that will randomly appear in some areas. These types of books would be dispersed all over Zeal.

Herbs:
Greenleaf       an herb with curative properties
Sagebloom      an herb with magical properties
Darkroot      an herb with unusual/unknown properties

Example Herbs Books: (this stuff is going to be important for combining herbs to make potions) "Alchemy"

Herbal Encyclopedia: Tome of Alchemy, vol 1. ch. 1    (most books will have a random vol/ch)
A few herbs that grow on the Zealean Continent posses
extremely higher quantities of an unknown substance that
produces unusual healing effects. These herbs are be dried,
pulverized, then boiled to extract the curative properties.
The plant matter is separated from the liquid and is
discarded. The remains are bottled and can be drank
or applied to wounds. Either method miraculously
produces the same result in the same amount of time.
Researchers do not fully comprehend why this fact is.
However, what they do know is that various combinations
of herbs, create various effects.

Herbal Encyclopedia: Herbs with Magical Properties, vol 4. ch. 1
Darkroot is an herb with unusual properties. It appears
to be a catalyst to amplify the effects of Greenleaf and
Sagebloom. Not much is known about this curious
species as only 2 roots have ever been found in the
entire history of Zeal civilization.
It is speculated that if even but a sliver is cooked
into a meal, it can produce lucid dreams of unfathomable
proportions. This herb is rumored to be the key to create
the ultimate dream state of bliss where reality bends
to the will of the dreamer.

Herbal Encyclopedia: Herbs with Magical Properties, vol 7. ch. 17
Greenleaf is an herb with curative properties
of grandiose proportions. When mixed properly
with the correct ratios of water, it can be
made into powerful healing potions.

Herbal Encyclopedia: Herbs with Magical Properties, vol 18. ch. 1
Sagebloom is an herb with magical properties that
refresh and invigorate even the most fatigued of
minds. When mixed correctly, it can create
a large quantity of ethers. However, if synthesized
by a master alchemist, it can yield up to 5 times as
many potions.Due to rarity, the Zeal Royal Family
are the only peoples allowed to possess this herb.

These books are *may* be REQUIRED to be read for the character to be able synth THAT particular item...or they may just be reference -- seeing as Zeal gets destroyed and it would suck if you missed one(maybe some books like higher recipes get scattered too).

Example Ingredient book:
Herbal Encyclopedia: Herbal Mixing Reference, vol 8. ch. 4
To make a MegaElixir combine 5 Greenleaf with 2 Sagebloom.
The success rate is roughly 78%.
(Master alchemist can make (randomly) upto 5 MORE MegaElixirs)

Gems: (are going to used with Ores to make some accessories/and they are worth ALOT, because they are rare)
Quartz          a clear white gem of marginal value
Garnet          an orange gem of exceptional value   
Diamond       an valued gem due to extreme rarity

Mineral Encyclopedia: Gemstones, vol 6. ch. 2
Quartz is a clear-white substance that is most
common in caves that appear near the surface.
Quartz is formed by mineral becoming super
heated by magma beneath the earth.
Because they are often easy to find, all
Zealians are permitted to own jewelery made
of it.

Mineral Encyclopedia: Gemstones, vol 3. ch. 5
Garnets are an orange gem of exceptional value.
Because of their deep orange hue, they are
believed to be formed deep in the earth
as the result of volcanic activity. Another
factor proving this theory, is that very few
are ever found in the upper caverns on the Surface
World.   

Mineral Encyclopedia: Gemstones (REVISED EDITION), vol 1. ch. 9
Diamonds are a valued gem due to extreme rarity.
They are made deep in the earth, where the temperature
reaches the tens of thousands of degrees mark. Fused
by extreme pressure over countless aeons...
diamonds are considered to be the strongest
substance known to humankind.
REVISED: Only the Queen is permitted to posses
diamonds, refusal to surrender a diamond to royalty
results in life imprisonment.


Ores: (used to make various armors/weapons;  accessories= combine Ores with Gems)
MythrilOre       malleable yet enduring metal
Adamantium       a very rare, very durable metal
Meteorite        a shard of an unknown compounds (known to be EXTREMELY rare)

Mineral Encyclopedia: Ores, vol 2. ch. 12
Mythril is a very malleable yet astonishingly
enduring metal. It seems almost the weight of air
but is actually harder than stone to pierce.
Mythril is commonly found in mountain regions,
much of it right here in the Kingdon of Zeal
when it was first established.
 

Mineral Encyclopedia: Ores,
vol 5. ch. 3{page break}
{"1}Adamantium{"2} is an extremely rare
compound. Little is known about this
unusual metal except that it can be
enhanted with elemental power. {page break}
One such ore which was discovered
by an EarthBound One, and was
quickly rushed to Kajar Magic Lab
for more detailed research.{page break}
It was the Guru of Life who
discovered the elemental abilities
of this ore. He created a sword
enhanted with the element of Water.{page break}
This sword became known as the
{"1}Tsunami Sword{"2} because of it's
ability to litteraly strike with a wall
of water.{page break}
This weapon of unfathomable strength
was to be sealed in the North Temple
because elemental power became
obsolete after the discovery of Lavos.{null}


(note that there is no Meteorite book ...it's in the Cleft of Dimensions)


....BAH, I forgot {line break} and such.... Oh well, seeing as I already have added the books I made to the game it's no problem. (I'll start adding your finished stuff soon)

P.S. I really like the text you made for the dream species. 

[Glennleo]

Ugh.. I hate playing catch up. I read most of Kyronea's stuff and it's pretty good. Haven't looked at everything you have Zakyrus.

Don't fire me! I'll get on the ball soon!(stupid school...)

[Zakyrus]

Ugh.. I hate playing catch up. I read most of Kyronea's stuff and it's pretty good. Haven't looked at everything you have Zakyrus.

Don't fire me! I'll get on the ball soon!(stupid school...)

Worry not of such things.

[Glennleo]

was built, as recharging a Sun Stone would take many aeons...

I think that ought to be eons. Aeons are summons. Well I looked it up and both work, but I think eons fits better and it would cause less confusion.

Other than that excellent work by both of you. It feels as if you two were right there in making the game, and made these books right along with the game's release!

Maybe I'll take a crack at a book or two. Being a Chemical Engineer sucks . I have no free time to do anything fun  .

[Kyronea]

I'd love it if you could. I've not been paying attention to the Zealian library books since I started on the storyline dialogue. I don't intend to get back to them until I'm through with the storyline, sidequest, and ending dialogue either, which will take a while, so if you want to do a book or two go right ahead.

As for aeons...eh, it's a word choice. Besides, people usually understand what that word means, I would hope. I like the sound of it better than eon. But that's just me, really.

[Glennleo]

I see what your saying. I agree aeon looks cooler, and probably sounds cooler too, but the first thing I think of when I see that word is summon. Maybe it's just me I dunno.

[Kyronea]

Context alone should be enough for the person to understand what it means, I would think.

Anyway, as I said, if you want to write up a book or two that would be wonderful. Perhaps you could write one on elemental weapons forging or something.