Samuel Bartholomew Hawk
Early Life
Samuel Bartholomew Hawk was born in 1662 AF in the bustling city of Edison, known for its vibrant academic community and thriving industrial sector. From an early age, Samuel showed an insatiable curiosity and a deep passion for the ancient world. Encouraged by his parents, both scholars themselves, he pursued a rigorous education, excelling in history, languages, and the liberal arts. His natural talent and dedication earned him a place at the prestigious University of Edison, where he later became a professor of Liberal Arts.
Academic Career
As a young professor, Samuel was known for his charismatic teaching style and his ability to inspire students with his enthusiasm for ancient civilizations. He quickly gained a reputation as a leading archaeologist, driven by a relentless quest to uncover the secrets of the past. His early works focused on the ancient city-states of Alada, but his career took a momentous turn with the discovery that would define his legacy.
The Discovery of the Sundial
In 1710 AF, during an excavation in the Atulahai Ridge, Samuel discovered the ruins of an ancient circular marble structure. In the center of the structure, protected by a heavy metallic box, he found a 60 cm diameter sundial shell inscribed with symbols in an unknown ancient language. This artifact, later known as “The Sundial,” was dated to approximately 15,000 BF, far predating any previously known writing systems. The discovery took the world by storm, leading to the establishment of a new field of archaeology: Altian Archaeology.
Personal Life
Samuel’s personal life was as complex as his academic endeavors. He married early, to a fellow scholar named Eliza, with whom he shared a deep intellectual and emotional connection. Their union was blessed with a daughter, Scarlett Rebekah Hawk. Tragically, Eliza passed away when Scarlett was just a child, leaving Samuel to raise her alone. The bond between father and daughter grew exceptionally strong, with Samuel instilling in Scarlett his love for knowledge and discovery.
As Scarlett grew older, she became Samuel’s apprentice and confidante. She accompanied him on many of his excavations, learning the intricacies of archaeology and the mysteries of the ancient world. Samuel saw in Scarlett a reflection of himself and nurtured her potential with great care. Their relationship was not without its challenges, particularly as Samuel’s health began to decline in his later years, but their mutual respect and love remained unwavering.
Love Life and Legacy
Samuel’s devotion to his work left little room for personal relationships after Eliza’s death. However, his deep love for his daughter and his passion for his work filled his life with purpose. His interpretation of the Sundial’s inscriptions, which he believed prophesied the Burn and the subsequent flooding, became a central focus of his later years. Despite skepticism from the broader scientific community, Samuel’s conviction never wavered.
Formation of the Church of Kel
Following his interpretation of the Sundial, a small group of followers formed the Church of Kel, seeing Samuel as a semi-divine figure capable of transcribing the sacred text. Samuel’s teachings and the “Book of Hawk,” a text compiling his interpretations and stories, became the foundation of the Church’s beliefs. Although Samuel did not live to see the prophesied Burn, his legacy continued through his daughter, Scarlett, who took up the mantle of leadership after his death.
Relationship with Scarlett Rebekah Hawk
Scarlett Rebekah Hawk, Samuel’s only child, was deeply influenced by her father’s teachings and discoveries. After his death, she became the leader of the Church of Kel, guiding the followers through the turbulent times of the Burn. Scarlett’s leadership was marked by her dedication to her father’s vision and her unwavering belief in the prophecies of the Sundial. Their bond, forged through shared intellectual pursuits and personal loss, was the cornerstone of the Church’s foundation and growth.
Death and Continuing Influence
Samuel Bartholomew Hawk passed away in 1812 AF, leaving behind a legacy that would shape the course of Nyria’s history. His discoveries and teachings continue to inspire archaeologists, scholars, and the faithful followers of the Church of Kel. The Sundial remains a symbol of his life’s work, a testament to his relentless pursuit of knowledge and his profound impact on the world.
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