Chapter One - The Library Dictator [Video]

[knowitowl]

[Now that things seem to have gone back to relative normalcy here in the land of Luceti, Wan Shi Tong decides that it is time to introduce himself to the community. Thus there will be a video feed of a very tall owl as he stands over his journal.]

Greetings citizens of Luceti, I am Wan Shi Tong, he who knows ten thousand things.

Due to my abduction from my own world and library, I have commandeered the one within this village. I will be the sole authority of the collection from this point on, and as such, there are a few new rules.

First of all, anyone who wishes to use the library must first offer new knowledge to add to the collection.

Secondly, none of the material within can be used for malicious intent. There is no exception to this. I do not care how noble your cause may be, whether it is against each other or our captors here.

Finally, I will no longer allow any materials to be removed from the building.

If these rules are not followed, there will be consequences.

Also, in regards to the last rule, all outstanding books and media must be returned for inventory. If you do not comply, I will send my assistants to retrieve them.

That is all.

[And with that the feed will end.]

Comments

[Voice]

[medicalpunch]

On just what basis are you claiming authority over the library? The resources here are for everyone's use.

Re: [Voice]

[knowitowl]

I have no interest in repeating myself yet again. Refer to previous conversations for my reasoning.

[medicalpunch]

So you're too high and mighty to even talk to the people you've abruptly decided you get to order around, huh? In that case, I don't see how I should bother myself about your so-called rules.

[knowitowl]

I am open to reasonable discussion. However, your tone suggests you wish to argue and I have already argued with several as I have already pointed out. I find it unlikely I would have anything new to say to you than I have to anyone else. I see no reason to repeat myself when the journal log is available for your reference.

[medicalpunch]

I've got a hint for you. Reasonable discussion doesn't kick off with sudden authoritarian declarations.

You've got a village full of people who have been imprisoned -- some of us for years -- and the last thing we need is someone taking away even more of our self-determination and autonomy.

And don't think I didn't miss that bit about not using the information against our captors. Why are you surprised that people are pissed off, when you've basically declared that you're siding with them against us?

[knowitowl]

I have spent centuries providing humanity with information to better themselves only to have it misused. Forgive me for not sympathizing with beings that continue to show their untrustworthiness.

As stated I have no further desire to argue. Good day.

voice;

[breezing]

I don't think you get how libraries work, and I'm not turning my books in yet. They're not DUE yet, and I need them for homework, duh.

[knowitowl]

I have kept a library for centuries. I am fully aware how they work and how they can be abused as your grandfather has proven. You may complete your homework within the library.

[breezing]

No way! I like doing it at home. Talk to Sifu Raine, she's not gonna let you have our school books or stop us doing our homework. That's just stupid.

[ she's 99% sure grandpa and katara and the other benders in the house can handle any assistants thrown their way. ]

[knowitowl]

I have no interest in arguing with a little girl. If your teacher wishes to discuss the matter in a reasonable fashion then we may be able to make an agreement. Until then I expect the books to be returned promptly.

[breezing]

You can expect all you want, but they're not your books and it's not your library. It belongs to everyone, you know.

[knowitowl]

That as it may be, just as with anything, if there are no rules it will be misused. I intend to keep that from happening despite how you humans are so adverse to rules. It is why you are a violent race that can not be trusted.

[Voice]

[knightofratatosk]

Wait, why can't we check out the books anymore? How are we supposed to finish anything if we can only read them while we're in the library itself? That doesn't seem fair at all.

[knowitowl]

I do not understand the aversion to reading in a library. That is what it is meant for. I am merely protecting the knowledge here from misuse.

If you wish to know my reasons further then read my previous conversations with other members of your community. I tire of repeating myself.

[knightofratatosk]

Maybe some people misuse it, but the people I know take good care of the books they check out. Besides, even if a book does get lost, the Malnosso will just replace it, right?

[knowitowl]

I am referring to the knowledge within the books. For instance if someone from another world could be poisoned by say... Tomatoes and someone who disliked them discovered this in the library. Misuse would be when that person used that knowledge to do them harm. There have been no rules to prevent this. Without rules it is left open to abuse.

[knightofratatosk]

That just seems like a lot of work. There are much easier ways than that if you really wanted to hurt someone...

[knowitowl]

You would be surprised.

For instance. In my world a man came to my library and found information on a spirit that led him to killing it. His act nearly plunged the mortal world into ruin as a result.

[rashness]

[ W e l p he's not going to return all the Jump Square he's currently got in his room because that is way too much hassle. But he is an exorcist. And because of that, the boy with the tail heads on over to the library with his sword in it's scabbard over his back. He's bringing this one random cookbook he took out and forgot to bring back weeks ago. But he's also curious to know if this guy is going to kill him on principle like Moro what with demon and all ]

[knowitowl]

[When he arrives, a very large owl will be there to greet him.]

Welcome to the library. How can I be of service?

[rashness]

[ ... Wow that's big. Anyway ] I was bringin' back this book and figured I could talk with ya.

[knowitowl]

I appreciate your honesty in returning the book.

[He will then take the book with a sweep of his wing.]

What is it you wish to discuss?

[rashness]

[ ...

Wow skills ]

Okay, so I'm an exorcist - the name's Rin Okumura. And d'ya know what an exorcist does?

[knowitowl]

Of course. An exorcist by definition is someone who casts out demons. Though I am also aware that this varies between worlds, such as yours, as well as methods.

[not here]

[ofwesternwinds]

[Welp. What a way for this kid to suddenly remember that book he checked out. One he checked out almost two years ago, in fact, and contains information on the Holmcross Project. It's still sitting there in his apartment gathering dust. Rudy still has no intention of returning it, of course. Even two years later, that's still information on him he doesn't necessarily want people finding out. Some things are best kept out of everyone else's hands.

At least it's a good thing he had the foresight to check it out under a false name. After all, as far as he knows, there isn't anyone else he knows with the name Jack Van Burace residing here. Good luck trying to find them! For now, this kid will be staying away.]