Merge pull request #267 from Hoikas/revert_fan_ages

Remove (Almost) All Fan Ages
7 days ago · 92100da95e
42 changed files with 0 additions and 662 deletions
--- a/compiled/dat/FahetsHighgardenEnglish.loc
+++ b/compiled/dat/FahetsHighgardenEnglish.loc
@ -1,261 +0,0 @@
 <?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
 <localizations>
    <age name="FahetsHighgarden">
        <set name="Journals">
            <element name="TTPTerniReport">
                <translation language="English"><![CDATA[<cover src="faht_ternireportcover.hsm">
 <font face=Courier size=10 color=000000>
 <p align=center>FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY. DOCUMENT VALID FOR 24 HOURS AFTER PRINTING
 Third Path Induction Process
 <p align=left>In this section we shall cover some of the past projects the Third Path has worked on. Some of these projects have been completed, some cancelled and some are long-term. Knowledge and understanding of these projects will allow for an understanding of the group as a whole and will assist in your day-to-day activities within the Third Path.
 As in previous sections, if you have any questions or comments about the materials contained within these documents, please seek your head of department who will be happy to answer any questions you have.
 <p align=center>Ter'ni Project
 <p align=left>The goal of this project is the long-term study of societal development under environmental constraints whilst directly influenced by another species' culture and technology. Through this experiment we will be able to map a path for the understanding and development of culture, leaderships, laws and regulations when establishing off-world habitations in the event of an exodus event.
 The Ter'ni project is a long-term project that started in 2004 involving a large volunteer group who have been relocated upon an Age with no return to D'ni or Earth. The project has been given an initial fifty year time frame with a reviewal process at the end of this fifty years to see whether the experiment will continue or reach a conclusion. The aim is to observe the population growth, societal shifts, and evolution when the populace is left with minimal assistance but with knowledge of D'ni culture. The group is split into five "pods" which are located upon various points on the planet with different biomes. These variations in biomes will present further struggles for some pods as they attempt to adapt to the environment around them (such as desert and arctic environments). Within each of the 5 "pods" will be individuals with specific personality traits to allow for the study of changes to the individuals and the group as a whole as the time frame passes and challenges are faced.
 A control group "pod 1" will be situated at the initial Link-in point, "The Barracks", of the Age.
 Ongoing observations of the experiment are carried out via a network of observation stations that are secluded upon the world. The volunteers are not aware of the monitoring and the employees within the stations are given minimal information to reduce any bias in the reporting of data.
 The Age that the project is taking place upon is a D'ni Age that was Written at the time of the Fall. The Age had no name, no documentation, and had not had the initial Link made. The Third Path repurposed the Age, Ter'ni (New Tree), for use in the project.]]></translation>
            </element>
            <element name="TTPTailReport">
                <translation language="English"><![CDATA[<cover src="faht_tailreportcover.hsm">
 <font face=Courier size=10 color=000000>
 Morning boss,
 We've put together a report as requested based on the scant information provided by the initial conversation with Lore. There is something about that man, I can't quite put my finger on...
 I digress.
 There isn't much to go on. Since we've been unable to contact Lore, we have decided to try and place someone within the group. Matthews has offered to take the position and she has started to put out some feelers to see if she can make contact.
 They call themselves the Tailehn Society. Wait, wasn't Tailehn the name of one of the Ages from Tochoortahv that was burned in the fire? Perhaps related? Could you send me over the report from the arson attack all those years ago? Perhaps we missed something.
 The group is, simply put, all about exploitation of D'ni and its Ages. Lore stated that they infiltrate Ages and scout them for potential resource harvesting. Evidently, there is some auctioning and trading of illicit Ages taking place. But we had heard rumours of that taking place as far back as 2003 - 2004.
 Lore said they were very dangerous. "The atrocities they've carried out... if only you knew. Perhaps it is best that you do not." - His words not mine. You know what, Keith, perhaps this is better communicated in person. I'm concerned about prying eyes and for the safety of Matthews.
 Can you ping me as soon as you're available?
 <p align="center">- Winters]]></translation>
            </element>
            <element name="HGCommentaryBook">
                <translation language="English"><![CDATA[<cover src="faht_highbookcovert.hsm"><font face=Tricia size=14 color=000000>March 2nd 2009
 The trek across the island of Fahets was a long one; the island proved to be larger than I had thought it would be. As I was Writing the Age I had pictured something smaller, more intimate, in my mind's eye. That is the nature of Age Writing: there is always something unexpected, some evolution of an idea that flowers differently from what you had planned. It gives the process an organic nature that offers up pleasant surprises.
 The areas I have passed through on my journey to the coast have been beautiful to behold. Just a mile or two north of the Basin where I first arrived on this world was a lovely little vale that I certainly plan on returning to in the near future.
 There is such a variation to the environment, the flora and fauna, the scents in the air. I think I could spend the rest of my life exploring and researching this island and barely make a dent.
 That said, the journey has been exhausting. The variation in topography of the island has made some sections very difficult to navigate. Setting up a "nexus" for this Age with Books to the other sections of the island will make things easier in the future.
 Here I am. I have reached the coast, worn out and soaked from the storm that had picked up. Upon my arrival, I spotted a smaller secondary island across the sea. The waters are entirely too rough to traverse with the current weather, so I have decided to set up camp for the night and get some rest.
 ----
 March 3rd 2009
 The storm had subsided during the night but not after keeping me awake for hours. I awoke bleary-eyed to calm seas and sunny skies. It has taken a couple of hours to travel over to the small island in the inflatable boat. I arrived on the beach, secured the boat and then promptly laid down on the sand to rest a while. I know Linking Books will negate the travel distance, but in the future it might be worth building a faster method for crossing the waters.
 - After a short walk inland I discovered an area that would serve as a good spot for a base camp. From here I can leave and return at will and not have to rush the subsequent exploration of this island.
 ----
 March 6th 2009
 Today I reached the summit of the island. As I crested the rock to survey the island below, I discovered a little area nestled within. The area is small but very peaceful and relaxing. A hidden little garden high on the island. There is an abundance of plant life everywhere; small bright blue little flowers carpet the ground. Dotting the landscape are these strange spherical plants that burst out from a nest of large leaves. Everywhere I look there are butterflies -- small yellow things that flitter from plant to plant. The entire area is staggered over different levels. On the higher levels are two large ponds at opposite ends of the valley from each other.
 I need to Write a Linking Book to this area so I can show the others, if only so they can see this stunning view of the night sky and nebula.
 ----
 March 9th 2009
 The rest of the council enjoyed their visit here. In fact, I have found that everyone keeps returning to take a break from the restoration effort. I have named the area Highgarden and decided to develop the area into a space for us to relax in.
 I have spent the morning with Keira and others drawing up some plans for development of the area to add some areas for seating and some stairs and bridges to make it more accessible.
 ----
 March 14th 2009
 D'ni technology certainly makes the process easier, but it still takes time to carve our way through the rock. It is gratifying to see the progress the team is making, even if it is slow going.
 The plans for the development of the pond areas have been shelved for now due to concerns about disrupting the habitat of the fish.
 So far during my exploration I have not discovered any native population. Not that I was expecting to on my first Age, but it at least means we do not have to be so uptight about securing any Linking Books on the Age. With that said, construction of a Book room would still be advisable if only to protect the Books from the natural elements.
 ---
 March 30th 2009
 I have prioritized Highgarden over the work being carried out in the Basin, or Fahets Prime, as I've taken to calling it. It will not take too long to complete the plans we have for Highgarden. I want to impact the environment as little as possible for fear of disrupting the local wildlife. We plan on carving a couple of stairwells to allow access to the different levels. One of the teams is sounding out an area to carve out as a protection place for a Linking Book back to the Tehren neighbourhood.
 I have taken inspiration from Eder Kemo for some of the structures within the area. I thought having familiar elements from another peaceful garden area would work here, too.
 ---
 April 3rd 2009
 We have managed to formulate a solution that will allow for the development of the fish ponds without damage to the ecosystem. I still have some reservations about this, but we shall see.
 ---
 <pb>
 May 5th 2009
 Some time ago, during our explorations within D'ni, we discovered a Linking Book. Within the Age was a D'ni artist, a sculptor called Tommen. When D'ni fell, he fled into the nearest Age but wound up trapped there. It wasn't until we discovered the Age that an exit was presented for him to finally leave. We spoke with him at length, and before he left he said he would provide a gift to us -- a thank you for allowing him back into D'ni. Of course we hadn't seen or heard from him since until we received a message from him and the gift that he had previously mentioned. This gift took the form of 7 statues. When he mentioned a gift, we never expected anything like this. We decided quite quickly that we would place the statues in Highgarden and have extended an invitation to Tommen to visit once they are in place. He seemed somewhat perturbed by the concept of an Age Written by someone of non-D'ni descent, so who knows if he will take us up on the offer.
 <img src="faht_HGsketch.hsm" resize=yes align=center blend=alpha>
 Work on the smaller pond is complete, and the larger pond should be finished by the end of the month. The statues provided will be placed around the smaller pond near to the Link-in point.
 ---
 <pb>
 May 12th 2009
 The wildlife here is quite diverse. It has been interesting discovering new flora and fauna that are not found in the prime area of Fahets. Certainly, Highgarden has the Norapods that can be found back in the basin, but it also has these curious spherical plants. They seem to grow out of a nest of leaves almost like a cabbage, and, as they grow, they form a web around their skin. Once the growth stage has completed, the plants shrink slightly but the web stays put forming a sort of cage. There is quite a variation on sizes that these spherical plants can reach. I've discovered matured plants that are very small in stature and others that are significantly larger. I have been wondering if perhaps they are a cousin to the Norapods due to how they reproduce. Norapods, when they seed, inflate and almost pop, scattering the seeds across the surrounding area. These spherical plants are similar; they inflate once again at the end of their life but the webbed cage constricts this process and causes the plants to rupture and seed the area around it. I have observed the underside of the web cage contains very small but quite hard little spiked protrusions that I believe help to break the sphere as it expands.
 Its fascinating the diversity that can be found within the Ages of the Great Tree. I'm looking forward to seeing what else this Age has to offer.
 ---
 June 27th 2009
 We spent the day with Tommen, who apparently had been looking forward to visiting Highgarden. It turns out his previous discomfort was more shock that members of the explorer population had succeeded in Writing Ages in such a short time. His father, as it turned out, was a very conservative member of D'ni who did not care for Ti'ana at all. Tommen and his group of friends were by all accounts very liberal with their views on D'ni society. He explained that until the death of Kohleer that they had an ideal of reshaping D'ni culture through art. A foolish notion, he now believes. They thought that Ti'ana's arrival would help push that goal but Kohleer became ill, progressively getting worse and worse until his death. A year later came the Fall, and their ideals fell with D'ni.
 He doesn't know if any of these friends survived the Fall. Once work here is completed we shall see if we can find any signs of his old friends with him.
 ---
 July 2nd 2009
 It's been a hectic time lately. Pushing Tochoortahv as fast as we have means progress here in Highgarden has slowed down. The work has paid off, and Tochoortahv has now been released.
 ---
 July 4rd 2009
 The vandalism in Tochoortahv has taken priority as we launched an investigation into the recent arson attack there and the message left carved into the wall, "Outsiders must not learn the Art". So much damage. So much work literally gone up in smoke.
 To say I'm angry would be an understatement. But I should have expected something like this. Not all D'ni were found by Atrus; not all D'ni moved to Releeshahn. We have entered their home and basically claimed it for our own, so it is foolish to expect that members of the D'ni civilization wouldn't be angry about it all.
 ---
 August 5th 2009
 Work here in Highgarden has been completed. The last month has been stressful and very busy. I'm looking forward to taking a break for a few days. I would like to take a longer respite but the work continues to pile up. I still need to make a decision about Tochoortahv and its future. The investigation revealed very little that we hadn't already figured out. There was a curious thing about the message that was left -- it had been carved into the rock with a degree of care. If you're going to scrawl a message then set a place on fire, why not just use paint or something? Why take the time to carve it... it only increases the risk of being discovered before being to complete the act. Regardless, I can't just leave the Age sitting there abandoned. I have some ideas for what we could do there. In the meantime, once my break is over I need to return to the Age I'm Writing for Kehra's birthday. I still have a lot to do before it is ready.
 ---
 May 3rd 2011
 Even here, miles away, the area is affected. How widespread is this?
 ---
 May 6th 2011
 I have been receiving reports regarding some tremors on Fahets. I've been here a number of hours now and have yet to witness any.
 I stand corrected, a small tremor. I shall monitor the situation and see. Perhaps it is nothing.
 ---
 May 15th 2011
 The tremors are becoming stronger and more frequent. The weather has taken a turn for the worse and seems unrelenting.
 Something is very wrong here. I need to take a look at the Fahets Descriptive Book....
 ---
 May 28th 2011
 The Age is destabilizing, and I don't know what to do. I don't know how to fix this. I have been observing the changes within Fahets; the tremors are no longer just tremors but full-on earthquakes. There must be a correlation between what is taking effect on the Age and the Descriptive Book. I have the puzzle pieces but am missing the picture on the box.
 I'm exhausted.
 ---
 June 11th 2011
 Words cannot describe the terror; I should not have stayed. No, I should not have returned to begin with. I knew as soon as I linked to Fahets that things were very wrong. The air felt off. That is the best way I can describe it. It was lukewarm and still, but there was a foulness upon it that just raised the hairs on the back of my neck. The sky was black, but not the blackness of night. This was something else. Everything was gloomy... eerie. I could see the damage that had already been caused through the glow of the bioluminescent plants and the orange glow of the fissures that had opened in the ground. Everywhere were signs of carnage, but I barely had time to take it in. Each quake rattled the stones and threw me to the floor. I had been there about 20 minutes by my estimation. 20 minutes too long in hindsight. It was at this point that there came a roar so primal, so loud and deep, that I thought my bones would shatter.
 Instead, it was the world that shattered. The floor lurched with such ferocity that it felt like what I would imagine it would feel like to be kicked by a hundred horses at the same time. Dazed, bruised, and bleeding, it was all I could do to hang on to a tree trunk as the ground bucked around, further battering me. In the distance I could hear a loud, sharp crack and a rumble that seemed to be crashing its way through the forest towards me. If I stayed any longer, this Age would be the end of me, so I did the thing I should have done as soon as I had arrived and Linked back to Relto.
 ---
 June 30th 2011
 The aches and pains are slowly healing from both myself and from Fahets. The Garohevtee provided by "Lore", as they signed themselves, seems to be doing the trick. After running some experiments to see if they would work, I proceeded to add them to the Fahets Kormahn. Within a few days I noticed improvement in the Linking Panel visibility. I shall observe for a few more days and then suit up and visit.
 ---
 July 5th 2011
 The destruction wrought upon this world can be seen everywhere. The basin at Fahets "prime" has witnessed a lot of upheaval. The land there is almost unrecognizable compared to how it looked a when I first arrived.
 So much devastation.
 Oddly, Highgarden seems relatively unscathed. The landmass seems intact with very little damage to the valley. Indeed, it seems most of the damage has been to the wildlife. The hostile weather has caused a lot of the plant life to die out. It is going to take some time before the place looks as it once did.
 ---
 March 9th 2012
 It has been a year. Much of the plant life has returned to the area, but it will never be as it once was. Exploration of the Fahets island has revealed that a large portion of it has collapsed into the sea. I don't think any part of this world will be the same again.
 I have often wondered if I was right initially... that we shouldn't be Writing Ages. It is an awesome responsibility, and I can't help but feel we aren't ready for it. We had forbidden The Art within The Third Path, and in doing so it caused a change of events leading to David's death at the hands of James. So I thought, perhaps, if we had been a bit more relaxed with it, then David would be alive and James would be still with us. James would call me a hypocrite for my dabbling with The Art, and he would be right. My feelings with regards to Age Writing are so conflicting, so contradictory. I don't think I will ever be fully comfortable with this ability.
 ---
 January 27th 2022
 With the Bahro civil war came the disbanding of The Third Path. Many of the team -- and the council -- felt D'ni was no longer safe and so returned to the surface. The group has disbanded and reformed a couple of times over the years, but it has been different this time. Keira and Joseph have children and the responsibilities that come with parenthood, and as such no longer have any interest in being council members. The few of us who stayed rebranded under The Third Path's old Guild of Restorers banner. It's a smaller enterprise, which means less people handling the large workloads we take on. It has been tough going. Thankfully, Robert is still interested in the work and provides financial assistance. I'm optimistic since those who stayed are good people that I've enjoyed working with in the past.
 With the Third Path effectively gone, I thought it would be nice to release Highgarden to the explorer community. I have long planned to open other areas of Fahets for people to explore and enjoy. Hopefully people will enjoy this quiet little area.
 ---
 25th May 2022
 It has been tricky sorting the area without the large team we used to have, but the Restorers Guild have done a great job. Fortunately, there wasn't a huge amount to do with the area with the exception of the new Book room. Patrick has been a big help with supporting the work we're doing. His expertise has been invaluable.
 Hoping to open the area at the end of June.
 ---
 15th June 2022
 I had been pondering why the butterfly population in Highgarden had declined so much. Today I noticed one flitting around the statues, and as it landed upon one of the statues I could see curious blemishes upon its yellow wings. A disease, perhaps? Sadly, it flew away before I could capture it. I will have to keep an eye out for it.
 ---
 18th June 2022
 I managed to snag one this morning. Judging by the blemishes, it is the butterfly I saw a few days ago on the statue. The blemishes are crimson in colour. I know what this is....
 The butterflies are migratory; I knew that much from my past observations on them, yet I had never thought to track their migration pattern. Given that some of them are displaying symptoms of the Crimson Blight, it is very likely that their migration journey takes them either to the Crimson Vale or close enough to it. I cannot allow the blight to take hold anywhere else in Fahets. It's bad enough it has claimed the vale.
 ---
 22nd June 2022
 Jules, Carl, and the others have been hosting a Town Hall meeting in The Great Tree neighbourhood today. Just talking about some of the projects the various restorers are working on. They put forward some projects for the explorer community to vote on, such as which should be released to the public first: Eder Naybree or Highgarden. Fortunately, Eder Naybree won the vote, which gives me more time to investigate the issue with the butterflies.
 ---
 30th June 2022
 The only option is to capture what we can, segregate the healthy ones, and cull the rest. Perhaps then we can rebuild the population. The problem will be when they begin their migration journey again. I wonder how feasible would it be to enclose the vale entirely and keep it contained?]]></translation>
            </element>
        </set>
    </age>
 </localizations>
--- a/compiled/dat/FahetsHighgarden_District_BuiltIn.prp
+++ b/compiled/dat/FahetsHighgarden_District_BuiltIn.prp
--- a/compiled/dat/FahetsHighgarden_District_Default.prp
+++ b/compiled/dat/FahetsHighgarden_District_Default.prp
--- a/compiled/dat/FahetsHighgarden_District_Textures.prp
+++ b/compiled/dat/FahetsHighgarden_District_Textures.prp
--- a/compiled/dat/Serene.loc
+++ b/compiled/dat/Serene.loc
@ -1,226 +0,0 @@
 <?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
 <localizations>
    <age name="Serene">
        <set name="Journals">
            <element name="thejournal_DRAW">
                <translation language="English"><![CDATA[<margin right=30 left=50 top=30>
 <font size=18 face=Michelle color=221166><pb><p align=left>June 9th
 I took a small makeshift boat, and decided to head for a spot in the wall of the cavern. I found a small cave where I landed and wandered around, lost, for a day or two, when I stumbled upon a bigger cave with a walkway. As I made my way down it, when I got to a certain point, a gate came crashing down and I have not been able to get it opened back up. This walkway led to the Atrium of Neolbah. Fortunately, there was a Nexus linking pedestal there with a book going to the Nexus and, by using it, I was able to have a link to this place included in my KI.
 July 5th
 Finally got the what I call "Maintenance" door open! Then had yet more D'ni tech to face... sigh...
 Good news is that I got it working... er... um... in a "This Is Really Jury-Rigged" sort of way, heh.
 Problem is, I had to reset the door code... and if you enter the wrong one, the power resets on it! Just can't figure it out...
 Ah well.
 I did remember to leave a note to Dot on her desk down there with the code. So she and any other visitor should be okay.
 Now I've got to get back to the surface and the other project that I'm working on...
 Now where did I leave my coffee cup???
 August 18th
 Linked back in to Neolbah today. Found one of the doors acting up. Swift kick or two seemed to fix it. :shrug:
 I wandered over to the door that I've not had time to get working yet. I thought I could hear something. I pressed my ear against the door. Was that a dripping noise I heard? Hard to tell with the water splashing in the fountain and the noise from the imager going on.
 I was walking over to my table when Dot linked in. Scared me to death! All these years and I'm still not used to someone suddenly popping into existence in front of me like that! Gah!
 The look on Dot's face was very clear to me: "I'm really ticked off right now and want to be alone!" However, the look changed quickly into a smile and a wave of hello when she saw me.
 Right! I'm glad it wasn't ME that had ticked her off so bad! Whew!
 I could tell she wanted to be alone though, and I needed to get going anyways. I've got a new area that I've been looking into that's in the Great Shaft. So giving excuses, and waving goodbye, I quickly used my Relto book to leave. I knew I'd be back later.
 August 23rd
 Today I rushed back to Neolbah to see if Dot was there. I wanted to tell her what I and my friend Moe found up in the Great Shaft!
 Moe is from Down Under, in Cairns, Australia. I met him a ways back while playing an online game. We've become fast friends and I had told him all about the Cavern and the D'ni.
 Moe was fascinated with what I had described to him. His wife Meg (short for Megumi) and he flew to the States to visit me and Tracey. Of course with him visiting, I just could not resist dragging him down here!
 To make a long story short (and by the way, Moe stands at about 6 foot 8 inches... I forgot he'd need a hard hat. He spent a lot of time yelling "OW!" down here), I decided to take Moe down the Great Shaft.
 The look of wonder on his face was worth every gripe from him about his sore feet, which he promptly forgot about when he looked down the shaft from the top! Heh.
 We made our way down using the series of elevators and walking paths until we got about half way. I'd heard there was a Rest Room right about here (there are several, but this one took some getting to).
 Once in the Rest Room, I pointed, while bent over breathing hard (I've GOT to lose some weight!). Moe looked over and said, "What? It's just another bloody room that... Look... the... that door back there is open!"
 Still catching my breath, I stood upright and nodded my head. Yep, the door was open on this one!
 We moved in and to my astonishment, it looked like some sort of pub or bar! There was a place for people to sit, and even what looked like a small kitchen!
 I could tell Moe was getting aggravated with me, as I kept smacking his huge hands yelling, "Touch nothing!"
 Further investigation revealed what looked like living quarters. That's when I found a book! That is also when Moe got another smack to his hand. I remember him looking at me confused saying "Look, mate, it's just a book! How is touching it going to--"
 He broke off as I was waving my Relto book under his nose. "Just a book?" I looked at him with raised eyebrows. "So what happens if you open it up and touch it? Nothing? Or maybe a sudden lurching feeling, and existing... where? A tropical island? A dark pit? A place whose atmosphere is poison to us? Do you want to find out the hard way?"
 Moe grinned sheepishly at me (well, as sheepish as a man his size can look), and shrugged. "Sorry, mate. I'm still new to all this."
 I held up my finger and drew a pen out of my pocket, one that I had been using to take notes. I gently lifted the cover of the book over, and saw simply D'ni writing. No linking panel.
 "It's safe," I told Moe. "But it's a good find! It might tell us about this place."
 "You can read that chicken scratch?" Moe asked me with eyebrows raised (he has a big forehead, so this is really a sight to see, heh).
 "No," I replied. "But I know people that can."
 I pulled a large bag from my backpack and slipped the book into it. Then placed it back in my pack.
 It was time to go then. I knew I would be back, but for now I had other places to take Moe.
 I left Moe in the good hands of Steve at the Ferry Terminal in Ae'gura. I wanted to get back to Neolbah and tell Dot what I had found. When I left them, they were busy discussing Australian beer, or "Aussie Beer" as Moe calls it.
 I shook my head. Here he was 3 miles down underground in the ruins of a 10,000 year old civilization, and they were going to discuss beer...
 Dot wasn't in Neolbah. Felt like I had just missed her. Sighing, I was about to link out when I thought I heard something. It was from the elevator shaft. The elevator itself was not present.
 I walked over and called it up to me, and rode it down to the basement. Walking to the end of the tunnel, I didn't see anyone.
 I stared at the two valves that are down there. I keep thinking they do more than just maybe shut off the fountain. That's when my eye caught the book lying on a crate!
 Who in the world left this here? When did this happen? I need to get with Dot.
 October 30th
 Head hurts... pounding really. All the linking I've done, and I've never had a headache like this before... did I link?
 I don't know where I'm at. Worse. My Relto book isn't on me either.
 Thinking... I was in Eder Tomahn, examining one of the elevator levers. They're stuck, but I think I can free one up.
 I left and linked to Neolbah where I had left some of my tools. I don't remember what happened next. I remember being IN Neolbah, but... the next memory is me opening my eyes here. Wherever 'here' is.
 I can't place it. I've never seen this place...
 But someone has been here, I think...
 Yes. I think I need to explore... maybe I can learn something...
 November 17th
 You know, you'd think I'd have learned after all these years of exploring the Cavern here underground, and whole alternate worlds, to NOT touch something when I don't know what it is!
 My trip to this place called "Nocturne" was very interesting (if unexpected). I saw many new things before Quin found me wandering around.
 I took a couple of weeks and took in the sights until Quin brought me back home. But that's another story.
 During the time I was there with Quin, he asked me about Descriptive Books and Linking Books. Their differences, and purposes.
 I took him to my Relto and showed him some of the Descriptive Books that I had found, plus those that I had created while dabbling in the Art.
 Quin was quite insistent about visiting some of these places (well, as "insistent" as Quin gets, which amounts to a single raised eyebrow and a "I would very much like to see this place, Mr. Legate.").
 So I took him to Zephyr Cove, Camp Bravo and ended with Serene.
 Serene seemed to draw a strange expression across Quin's face. I've seen wonder, awe and even surprise on people's faces when they visit Serene, but never an expression of... puzzlement. Something about Serene seemed to puzzle Quin. He spent a lot of time walking around, looking and exploring every inch of it.
 Later, back at my Relto, Quin asked if he might take a look at my Descriptive Book for Serene. I handed it over to him, and caught the faintest look of delight on his face. If I had blinked, I would have missed it.
 I asked him to look after it, making him understand that if it were harmed or damaged that Serene would be gone forever.
 Nodding in understanding, he left and I headed back home to my family. Thanksgiving is coming up and I've got turkeys to cook!
 November 26th
 Quiet rage.
 Disbelief.
 Shock.
 These are some of the things I'm feeling as I sit here on a rock, looking out over the ocean here at Deepwater.
 Serene. It's gone. At least the Serene that I created a link to is gone. What's there now is... well, not Serene, and yet it is Serene.
 I should have seen this coming. I should have been able to keep it from happening...
 Several days ago, I decided to link to Serene. The snow and wind always put me in the holiday mood, and with Thanksgiving approaching, it felt like it was just the ticket.
 To my shock and horror, my linking book was not working. The linking panel no longer showed Serene, but instead was a grey swirl and smoke. The link had been severed. How?
 I immediately thought of Quin and the fact that I had given him the Descriptive Book to Serene for study. My thoughts turned to concern for his safety. Had something happened to him while he had the book?
 I started linking to all the places I could think of where he might be. When I got to Neolbah, I found a note from Dot sitting on her desk.
 When I read that note, my feelings of concern for Quin vanished. Instead, I went ice cold with rage.
 I linked to Shell 415 in Ahra Pahts where I found D'Lanor and Ametist working hard. As I approached them, I guess they could tell how upset I was. D'Lanor's face went blank except for the quick blinking of his eyes. Ametist had started to smile at me, but the smile shattered and I don't think I've seen her go that pale before.
 I stopped in front of them and asked quietly, "Where's Quin?"
 Ametist's eyes got even wider at the tone of my voice. "I'm not sure, Andy," she replied. She then pointed towards a hedge, "But he was here earlier. He left that linking book to Serene over there."
 I walked over to the book and picked it up. Opening it showed a working linking panel to Serene... but yet, not quite Serene.
 Turning towards D'Lanor and Ametist, my hand hovered over the linking panel. My eyes met theirs. D'Lanor's mouth hardened to a straight line, and his head gave a slight nod.
 My hand slapped down onto the linking panel and I faded away from Shell 415.
 I'd seen understanding in D'Lanor's eyes. He knew Quin had done something unforgivable.
 Quin had destroyed an Age. 
 ------------------------------
 It was Serene, but not Serene.
 I stood there, I don't know how long. Numb, but not from the cold. Numb with shock, anger and, strangely, wonder all at the same time.
 The path was made of different stone. There were more trees. Even the snow looked different to my eyes.
 Finally I slowly turned around to the Nexus book stand. It was still there, and even looked the same. An Age Anchor? I'd never thought about it. But Anchor or not, the linking book to the Nexus was gone.
 I moved slowly down the path, and saw a temple. There was red light coming from it. I stopped again.
 I knew that design. I'd seen it in pictures. It was from some of the places Quin had been.
 Quin. My hands curled into fists on their own. How could he do this? How could he just disregard everything I'd said about Descriptive Books?
 I went no further, but quickly linked back to my Relto. My feet went out from under me and I sat down hard on the ground. I began to shake with rage. The temper I'd gotten from my mother, that ugly beast that I always keep chained up and caged. It raged against the bars of its cage. Howling to get out. It would not stay locked up.
 So be it. I was alone. I let it out.
 Some time later, I came to my senses, lying on my side, breathing hard and feeling exhausted. My vision was blurry from tears. I quickly sat up and wiped them from my eyes.
 The beast was back in its cage. Locked up where it would stay. Still seething, but under control now.
 I got on my feet and walked to my Relto hut.
 It was time to confront Quin.
 ------------------------------------------------
 I found Quin in Neolbah. He was in Dot's office, with Dot. I could see the concern on her face, yet Quin's expression was one of confusion.
 I began to speak, addressing Quin. I kept my voice low, steady but ice cold.
 I dressed Quin down. Describing how irresponsible his actions had been. How he'd had no right to tamper with an Age that was not of his creation. That never again would I trust him with anything so precious.
 Quin's eyes widened only briefly, but his expression quickly turned hard. Instead of regret, remorse, or guilt, he instead looked at me with his own anger, and what looked like disgust.
 When I was done speaking, he simply linked out.
 The office remained quiet for a few minutes, then Dot spoke.
 "Andy, I know how angry you must be. Please realize that Quin in many ways can be like a child. A child who has lost a whole world and saw a way to bring at least part of it back. Can you understand that?"
 I looked over at Dot. "Yes, I can understand it. You are right in that he's like a child. And like a child, who wishes so hard to bring something back, he had no thought of the fact he was going to cause the exact same loss on me. Maybe you can explain that to him sometime. That while he may have brought something he lost back, he's inflicted the exact same loss that he suffered upon me."
 I shook my head sadly. "Sorry, Dot. I've got to be alone for a while."
 And with that, I linked out. Maybe Deepwater could make me feel better.]]></translation>
            </element>
        </set>
    </age>
 </localizations>
--- a/compiled/dat/Serene_District_BuiltIn.prp
+++ b/compiled/dat/Serene_District_BuiltIn.prp
--- a/compiled/dat/Serene_District_Snowfall.prp
+++ b/compiled/dat/Serene_District_Snowfall.prp
--- a/compiled/dat/Serene_District_Textures.prp
+++ b/compiled/dat/Serene_District_Textures.prp
--- a/compiled/dat/Serene_District_mainRoom.prp
+++ b/compiled/dat/Serene_District_mainRoom.prp
--- a/compiled/dat/Tiam.loc
+++ b/compiled/dat/Tiam.loc
@ -1,58 +0,0 @@
 <?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
 <localizations>
    <age name="Tiam">
        <set name="Journals">
            <element name="Crystalbook">
                <translation language="English"><![CDATA[<cover src="TiamCrystalbookCover.hsm"><font size=24 face=Michelle color=000000>
 <p align=left>   These crystals have a blue shine that affects the nearby area. It seems though that the smaller crystals, used as lamps, give off a stronger light. So in  some way the shine must be brighter with a certain cut or polish. The journal has some sketches of jewellery, but not much is said about them or the cave itself. They must have kept another journal about the crystals with details about how to cut and polish them. 
 I got the grind-stone to work, it only needed some power :). I used a screwdriver to change the angle of the 'holding arm'. I used that to shape some gems out of the crystals.
 <img src=Cuts256.hsm resize=no blend=alpha>]]></translation>
            </element>
            <element name="NotesBook">
                <translation language="English"><![CDATA[<cover src="TiamJournalCover.hsm">
 <font size=24 face=Michelle color=000000>
 <p align=left> Welcome to Tiam!
 This Age has an interesting story. When Uncle Rebus found the book, there was a journal placed on top of it, a leather band wrapping them together. In that journal the writer tells the story of this Age. It was his first, written when he was an apprentice, and the one which established him as a Writer. He writes about how he, as a young man, spent a lot of time there, polishing the tunnels and carving out the interior of the main room. Later on, when he was married and had children, he and his wife continued to work here, making it 'another home' for their family. But it does not seem like they actually lived here for long periods, I think they visited for a day or two at a time. There are no proper sleeping rooms for example, and the journal's entries often start with 'Yesterday we...'.
 In the last part of the journal, where he talks about their visits to this Age, he writes about how he wants 'my three young daughters to "learn by playing" and...'. He describes how the girls loved to solve puzzles he and his wife made for them. (Since you are reading this you have already solved the first one that is still here). He encouraged them to make their own "treasure hunts" with clues hidden all over.Those girls must have had a lot of fun!
 When I first linked here with Uncle Rebus, many years ago, the Age was well preserved, but with dust and sand all over. Not all the rooms were accessible. We fixed some things back then and I have restored the rest recently. Cleaning it up properly also revealed the signs on the doors and the buttons. This made it clearer how things are connected. The biggest surprise was the paintings. When I scrubbed them and saw that vibrant blue color, a different pattern on each, I understood another connection. I wonder who made them?
 I found the curtains and the sitting pads in the chests. The curtains' folds had stiffened but the pads are quite ok to sit on.
 I found a description of how to make that cloth from the reddish plant, written down in the journal. Soaking, stretching and washing with several different herbs gets the leaves and the skin of the fruit soft but still strong. <img src=Tredplant.hsm resize=no blend=alpha> I found that very interesting so I tested, using nettles and soapworth instead. My pieces of 'cloth' are still quite stiff and rough, you can see them on the bench. I will try further.
 The CD-player, the broom and the tools are mine. And a couple of notes I left here, my memory is not what it used to be... Maybe you will find them useful too! But that's it, everything else was here. 
 Enjoy!
    ametist
    November 2021
 <pb>
 SPECIAL THANKS to Guild of Writers and OpenURU for help and support,
 Tsar Hoikas for the puzzle script,
 rarified and Doobes for special help and support, and Doobes for lighting up Tiam.
 Beta-testers philipgr and Grandbad for continuous bug-hunting and encouragement,
 and Mystler for the Destiny shard.]]></translation>
            </element>
            <element name="NoteBook">
                <translation language="English"><![CDATA[<cover src="TiamNotebookCover.hsm">
 <font size=24 face=Michelle color=000000>
 <p align=left>I found the sitting pads and the paintings in the big chest. The paintings were rolled into tubes with smooth, thin paper between them.
 Since these items are made of cloth, it seems like that was a wise thing to do whenever the family planned to stay away for a while.
 Sparse notes in the journal talk about entertaining guests, - 'We all shared a meal and all the children played hide-and-seek all over ...'. I found a way they could have delayed "hunters" following up here. It is possible to reset the lock of the door to the waterwheel room. If you do that when the door is open, you can go through and close it from inside, thus getting a couple of extra seconds to hide while your hunters unlock the door. I am sure those kids used that trick :). So I guess that this room was the "dining-room".
 Perhaps the girls sat here and were taught in reading and writing? Or drew pictures? There are papers, pens and books in the chests. 
 One of the last pages in the journal has this drawing:
 <img src=Task256.hsm resize=no>
 The glyphs on the walls in the room connected to this one resembles the ones on this drawing. I was amused when I found out he had used them for another puzzle for his girls. So search for the clues and I am sure you can solve it! I had real fun playing when I had solved it and I guess the girls had too!
 <pb>
 CREDIT goes to
 Bo 'Dixie' Albinsson for the music and sounds,
 freesound.org for the sounds of the running water, doors and the grindstone,
 CGtextures, Cyan.Inc and Pixabay for the textures.
 <pb>
 <img src=FanStampPyro256.hsm resize=no blend=alpha>]]></translation>
            </element>
        </set>
    </age>
 </localizations>
--- a/compiled/dat/Tiam_District_BuiltIn.prp
+++ b/compiled/dat/Tiam_District_BuiltIn.prp
--- a/compiled/dat/Tiam_District_Default.prp
+++ b/compiled/dat/Tiam_District_Default.prp
--- a/compiled/dat/Tiam_District_Textures.prp
+++ b/compiled/dat/Tiam_District_Textures.prp
--- a/compiled/dat/Vothol_District_BuiltIn.prp
+++ b/compiled/dat/Vothol_District_BuiltIn.prp
--- a/compiled/dat/Vothol_District_ChisoBook.prp
+++ b/compiled/dat/Vothol_District_ChisoBook.prp
--- a/compiled/dat/Vothol_District_Textures.prp
+++ b/compiled/dat/Vothol_District_Textures.prp
--- a/compiled/dat/Vothol_District_visitorlink.prp
+++ b/compiled/dat/Vothol_District_visitorlink.prp
--- a/compiled/dat/trebivdil_District_BuiltIn.prp
+++ b/compiled/dat/trebivdil_District_BuiltIn.prp
--- a/compiled/dat/trebivdil_District_Textures.prp
+++ b/compiled/dat/trebivdil_District_Textures.prp
--- a/compiled/dat/trebivdil_District_mainRoom.prp
+++ b/compiled/dat/trebivdil_District_mainRoom.prp
--- a/compiled/sfx/Serene_ambwind.ogg
+++ b/compiled/sfx/Serene_ambwind.ogg
--- a/compiled/sfx/Serene_flocksndloop.ogg
+++ b/compiled/sfx/Serene_flocksndloop.ogg
--- a/compiled/sfx/Serene_secdoorclose.ogg
+++ b/compiled/sfx/Serene_secdoorclose.ogg
--- a/compiled/sfx/Serene_secdooropen.ogg
+++ b/compiled/sfx/Serene_secdooropen.ogg
--- a/compiled/sfx/TiamBtnShort.ogg
+++ b/compiled/sfx/TiamBtnShort.ogg
--- a/compiled/sfx/TiamFirstHalfElfs3.ogg
+++ b/compiled/sfx/TiamFirstHalfElfs3.ogg
--- a/compiled/sfx/TiamKnappljud3.ogg
+++ b/compiled/sfx/TiamKnappljud3.ogg
--- a/compiled/sfx/TiamSten3.ogg
+++ b/compiled/sfx/TiamSten3.ogg
--- a/compiled/sfx/TiamStenLoop3.ogg
+++ b/compiled/sfx/TiamStenLoop3.ogg
--- a/compiled/sfx/TiamWatLapping3.ogg
+++ b/compiled/sfx/TiamWatLapping3.ogg
--- a/compiled/sfx/Tiam_Liddown.ogg
+++ b/compiled/sfx/Tiam_Liddown.ogg
--- a/compiled/sfx/Tiam_Pling.ogg
+++ b/compiled/sfx/Tiam_Pling.ogg
--- a/compiled/sfx/Tiam_Pling1.ogg
+++ b/compiled/sfx/Tiam_Pling1.ogg
--- a/compiled/sfx/Tiam_Pling2.ogg
+++ b/compiled/sfx/Tiam_Pling2.ogg
--- a/compiled/sfx/Tiam_button2.ogg
+++ b/compiled/sfx/Tiam_button2.ogg
--- a/compiled/sfx/Tiam_dblbuttnew.ogg
+++ b/compiled/sfx/Tiam_dblbuttnew.ogg
--- a/compiled/sfx/Tiam_gitter.ogg
+++ b/compiled/sfx/Tiam_gitter.ogg
--- a/compiled/sfx/Tiam_razzle2.ogg
+++ b/compiled/sfx/Tiam_razzle2.ogg
--- a/compiled/sfx/Tiam_wind.ogg
+++ b/compiled/sfx/Tiam_wind.ogg
--- a/compiled/sfx/Tiamwaterstream3.ogg
+++ b/compiled/sfx/Tiamwaterstream3.ogg
--- a/compiled/sfx/trbvl_waves_amb.ogg
+++ b/compiled/sfx/trbvl_waves_amb.ogg
--- a/compiled/sfx/votholdomemusic.ogg
+++ b/compiled/sfx/votholdomemusic.ogg