The Book of Truth

To gaze upon the truth

  A tome of ancient origins, the book is said to be created by the gods themselves - although by which god and to what purpose is lost to time.
The Book of Truth itself is a large volume bound in thick, marred brown leather that whispers of the passage of centuries. The cover is adorned with strangely swirling patterns that seem to pull the viewer into their depths. Encircling these patterns are ancient runes in an unknown language, their amber-white glow a portent of the truths within. Despite the ages it has witnessed, the tome’s condition is remarkable. Each of the yellowed pages, tinged with the hue of times past, stands as a testament to the book’s endurance.
 

The truth within

  Upon opening, a silent thrum pulses through the world's fabric, felt by all living things nearby. The flowing letters within seem to dance and twist in their own light, everchanging and yet somehow the same if cast a second look at them.Their mesmerizing light beckons the reader, promising a journey of discovery, of finding one’s destiny and beholding the truth behind all.
Once one starts reading, the words seem to speak to the reader in images and scenes instead of simple words, drawing them in. Few mortals can withstand these powerful images - for to gaze upon the words is to peer into one’s soul. The book shows the reader’s innermost strengths and secrets, their true self - but also their darkest desires, depths, even the terrible consequences of their most minute actions. The effect on the reader is profound - most people's minds are shattered instantly, while stronger minds are slowly driven mad by realizing their own failures.
 

The Truth we know

  The book’s divine origin is hinted at through rare mentions in historic records, suggesting a divine legacy or perhaps, the existence of multiple copies.
  Its last recorded location was the ancient city of Harran, in a chamber beneath the summoner’s guild. It is said to have been the catalyst to the downfall of the Harran and subsequently the kingdom - for the truths it revealed were too much for the mind to bear.
All attempts to recover the book from the ruins have led to the disappearance of the involved for reasons unknown. It remains hidden to this day, its exact location shrouded in mystery.
And this might be for the best, as the book will resurface at some point in history as it always has - be it as a gift or a warning from the gods that some things are not meant for the eyes of men.
Type
Manuscript, Magical (Tome/Scroll)
Medium
Papyrus

Comments

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Jan 3, 2024 14:58 by Désirée Nordlund

Fascinating description of a book without even trying to reveal any of its text. Got me hooked. It was also, for me, a perfect length of the article and clearly divided under headlines.

Jun 7, 2024 20:14

Well, guess I'm a bit late with my reply. Thank you so much for your kind words, Iooking forward to rework the rest of the myth (the other two articles still need some work). Feel free to take a look at the changes to Aran'sha, glad to have you here!

Sit down, my friend, and let me tell you of Aran'sha . A world where the sands shift and the stars sing, where the wind carries secrets and the twin moons keep silent vigil over it all.
Oct 3, 2024 18:21

My headcannon is the following: "The Book of Truth" is just plain wrong. It's the book of lies, beginning with the title. Nobody may ever know about that. So it is unrecoverable. :D

May I invite you to take a gander into my world, Proteia Miterra? It's both intriguing and strange alike. Oh, and by the way, it's in German, because my English is terrible; this signature is written in good English only thanks to ChatGPT.
Oct 13, 2024 19:13

That's an interesting interpretation that would cause an uproar in the academy of Al'Nahar (once it exists as an article). However, the truth ..well, we already had enough truth for today.

Sit down, my friend, and let me tell you of Aran'sha . A world where the sands shift and the stars sing, where the wind carries secrets and the twin moons keep silent vigil over it all.
Oct 31, 2024 08:44

It seems to transcend language (self-translating). And I imagine it can access someone who is illiterate as well. But could a blind person handle it safely, or will it still communicate its truths to them?

Oct 31, 2024 09:43

Can a blind man see the truth? Alas, until the book resurfaces, we shall not find out.

Sit down, my friend, and let me tell you of Aran'sha . A world where the sands shift and the stars sing, where the wind carries secrets and the twin moons keep silent vigil over it all.