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The Shrine of Insight

Once known far and wide as a place to seek answers, The Shrine of Insight has fallen out of common knowledge. That is exactly how The Oracle wants it.   The Oracle at The Shrine of Insight is a first-generation elf. He was one of the first to appear on the world of Akir after the Dragons fought back the demons to allow life to thrive in The Inner System. Most Elves look up to Dragons with great reverence and see them as their protectors without giving too much thought to The Dreamer or what might exist beyond The Cosmos. He left the Equitorial Continent and his clan to find answers. The Oracle has seen beyond this reality and no longer fits properly in this world.  

Cosmic Communication

By using the right phrase, wildcards, and logic during his queries, The Oracle is able to communicate with The Eternal Library to gain access to the information stored there. He sends his requests and receives almost instantaneous answers. Through practice, he has learned to gather the right information efficiently.  

Pilgrimages

The Oracle was seen with awe and was considered a mystical wonder by many. The Dwarves were convinced he was blessed by Arastoo himself. In centuries past, pilgrims would come in droves to ask the friendly and upbeat Oracle who loved to show off his near-omniscient knowledge. His cocksure attitude and sense of humor made the 'work' of being an oracle enjoyable for the young Elf man.   People of all races would travel far to ask him to query The Eternal Library with their most important questions and as a result, his wealth increased greatly during this period.  
Marcus, you surprised me. I was not expecting to meet you here and now. That is unusual. Are you familiar with a concept known as The Fateless?
— The Oracle
 

Shrine of Grandeur

In the early days, The Shrine of Insight was a simple wooden building. The shrine was upgraded to an opulent stone building with grand windows thanks to the donations of his many patrons during the Pilgrimage era. The Oracle lives in comfort but is alone and disconnected from others.  

The Malaise

The Eternal Insight is a psionic power granting access to The Eternal Library. This school of magic can only be unlocked by consuming Mindburst Tea made from the blossoms of the Psybloom.   Peering beyond his own reality began to break The Oracle's mind. At some point, a general depression was bought on by the existential crisis he experienced. The Oracle slowly stopped reaching out to others and no longer invited or welcomed anyone into his home. He has been a recluse for many years.  

Unkempt Property

While the stone shrine stands the test of time, the gardens outside are untended and overgrown. The structure looks abandoned to all passersby.  
Did you know he's secretly a Simulationist? He thinks we're inside some program run by a great machine. It sounds crazy but he did seem to have all the answers. I couldn't disprove anything that he said.
Marcus, marvelling about The Oracle

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Comments

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Jul 28, 2023 21:21 by Dr Emily Vair-Turnbull

Aww, poor Oracle. I'm sad he's all alone with his untended garden because of his broken mind. I suppose that much knowledge would break anyone, though.

Emy x
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Jul 31, 2023 10:28 by Melissa

I'm not usually a proponent of The Pop-in Visit, but I'd made an exception to drop by unexpectedly and brighten his day. Or pester him with endless questions that need answers. Either way... :)

Aug 25, 2023 01:11 by Desdemona Rose

I really like this article. I love the name of your shrine. While it sucks for your poor Oracle, I will admit that I'm a sucker for a good tortured soul story. I also love the name for your library. And, since I can't comment on it directly, your map on the front page, haha. It's gorgeous.

Aug 25, 2023 07:02 by Melissa

Thank you so much! I appreciate you sharing The Shrine of Insight in your Reading Challenge Article. I'm being pretty mean to all of the characters at the start of the story, for sure! The map came out a little different than I expected but it's helping me keep the main protagonist's journey on track.