Foreword

Marley the scholar

Greetings Fellow Scholar!

Well, I assume you are a scholar anyway. If you are reading this, then consider yourself lucky. Whether it is a few days from today or several years into my future, you are witnessing history. I have somehow managed to stay alive long enough to collect as much information as I could gather, to document this world we live in. It is with great enthusiasm that I introduce to you my latest publication. Consider this to be the encyclopedia of my journeys around the world!

I must confess sometime I think myself as crazy. You must forgive my tone and my ego. I think, given everything that has happened over the last few years, I deserve to be a little crazy. Sometimes this world needs a little crazy. I do not think it is a flaw so much as it is a quirk. Do not fear. Despite my personality, let me assure you that my work is professional. Or at least as professional as I could be. As a scholar, explorer, and a member of The Knights, I have always been drawn to the wonders and normality of this world. This goes to all the people out there with that curiosity and just itching for adventure and study. I know the feeling all too well.

Motivation

I embarked on my journeys with two goals in mind: to seek knowledge for knowledge's sake and to bridge the gap between our worlds, a harmony between selfishness and responsibility. Ever since the awakening of Paradise, the need to bring our worlds together has become more dire than ever. I've traveled far and wide, from dark forests to vast oceans to underground city networks to sky bases. It was an honor to be working with so many wonderful people. Of course, I would also like to thank all my enemies who tried to stop me. I now have the last laugh.

There were times when I felt like giving in, yes. Do you wish to know what inspired me further? It was in the whispers of the wind, the warmth of the sun, the steady flow of water, and the rigidness of the earth that I found my purpose. These elements of the world have been watching over me, begging for me to discover it all. The spirits guide me closer with each discovery on what they are. Paradise feels so close yet so far away.

Writing style

Here you can see most of my 15 year's worth of exploration and study, summarized into sections. The documents should be categorized so please feel free to explore the surface area of any topic you wish. I made sure to separate my own personal notes from other sources of information.

This is a personal note. Personally, I find it pretty personal

— Marley

Disclaimer

While I strive to disconnect myself from any biases, no work of documentation can ever be devoid of some form of bias. Many of these records are based from the senses, senses that would undeniably be shaped by personal experiences and individual perspectives. I have stumbled upon many who wish to sway my perspective to gain favor. The reality is politics always finds its way into academia. While I have strive to keep things objective, in truth, that is very much impossible. I, for one, carry my own set of preconceptions. I wish categorize these biases into three primary forms: cultural, elemental and political.

Cultural Bias

I have encountered many cultures in the course of my exploration, each with their own beliefs, and customs. Take this to mind. I am a citizen of Verdantia, born and raised. Many of you may see us in a different light and to that I say... to each their own. I made serious attempts to get the perspectives of the people but not everyone can be heard, and so not everything can be said. There may be some ideologies that I just do not grasp, but it is written nonetheless for you to interpret.

Elemental Bias

As a waterbender, my connection to the waters are more keen compared to the other elements, and thus, I am able to generate a better understanding on anything related to the matter. That is not to say that the other elements were left alone. Quite the contrary indeed. Speaking to many great benders has taught me the wonderful secrets of our world. There is so much harmony that it brings a tear to my eye. With the help of these individuals, I hope to deepen your understanding towards the elements.

Politics

All sources have a political agenda. That is something that comes with humanity. All maps are skewed to one's own side. An evil creature for one culture is a blessing to another. The blame gets shifted. The powerful change the story. If there is another thing that I have learned, it is that humanity can be a double-edged blade. The struggle between harmony and chaos.

Final words

So now, I invite you, fellow scholar, take everything here to study and critique. Let the world hear your thoughts and hypotheses. All you see here are just shallow records of the much deeper people, places, and phenomena that populate this world. In my world of scholarship, it is the pursuit of truth and enlightenment that prevails above all.
Take everything with a grain of salt.

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Sincerely,

Marley