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

[video]

[quantumtangled]

Would it be permissible for me to give enough knowledge for two people?

video;

[universal_charm]

Really now? An owl guarding a library? Aren't you clinging a bit hard to stereotypes here?

[aerialassault]

Uh. Those rules are nice and all, but I thought the point of the library was to share.

[And, you know, take dumb action books out for a weekend and not die of boredom.]

[ribbonbon]

H-Hey, like, I never said me specifically.

[It was totally what she meant, but she's trying to hold on to the small pile of pride she's scooped together during her time here.]

But I...uh, lots of people use the library to kind of, you know, learn more about the stuff they already know. [She frowns thoughtfully.] Besides, it would be impossible for someone read everything in the library, right? Like, how could I even know if what I know is new or not?

[foundafamily]

What, are you chicken?

written in poor handwriting

[forelocked]

Typical, someone has power, and they go use it to put other people down.

So you get to control who reads what, and if people are worthy of having knowledge. And I bet there's some knowledge that's forbidden and no one gets to have it.

What are you gonna do if somebody breaks your rules?

[Farlan mostly looks up edible plants and various field guides, but wow, this is rude.]

[knowitowl]

No knowledge is forbidden unless you have the intent of misusing it. Your question also seems to suggest you may have this in mind. So tell me, who do you wish to destroy?

[knowitowl]

It seems that most of you are misinterpreting my rules. Just because materials can not be taken from the library does not mean they are unavailable for use within it. This rule is a precaution to prevent loss, theft, and the misuse of knowledge.

[How is this so hard to understand? But then he has to remember that mortals are not as wise as he. Still he grows weary of having to spell things out for these simple minds.]

[knowitowl]

Hm, perhaps. Do you have a specific case in mind?

[knowitowl]

I took this form in the mortal world because it seemed appropriate.

[knowitowl]

Yes, that is why I brought my collection to the humans to begin with. However, I now regret this decision.

[knowitowl]

If I am not mistaken, death is not permanent here. Your reasons for self preservation are not as valid.

Despite this, I am not interested in allowing the enabling of violence to anyone for any reason.

voice, because he got tired of writing

[forelocked]

I don't want to destroy anyone. Why would I do that?

Yeah, right, I don't buy it. If you're controlling the library, you can control what people see. Back home, they don't even let people read about what's outside the wall, or anything they don't like. I bet that's how it started, supposed to be for our own good.

[knowitowl]

I am a spirit who has taken the form of an owl.

However, if you are implying cowardice, you may think what you like. As I said, I have nothing to prove to a mere mortal.

[knowitowl]

Every mortal is driven by selfish desires and at some point will wish to gain superiority over another. It is only inevitable.

You may think what you like but my rules will remain.

[forelocked]

Sure, I want to survive, if that's what you mean by selfish, but I just want a normal, peaceful life.

[A lot of people are like that, he's not arguing.]

I don't see how not letting people read books is helping at all.

How am I supposed to learn which plants I can eat if I can't bring the books with plant pictures outside? If somebody gets poisoned, it'll be your fault.

[The only thing Farlan ever talks about on the journals is food production and distribution--somehow it always comes back to that.]

What's this "new thing" we're supposed to add, anyway? What are you going to say is good enough? Do we have to have a new new thing every time?

[knowitowl]

If you truly need that information outside the library then you may take notes.

I am not an unreasonable spirit. The purpose for the third rule is to share knowledge not already in the library. You may share once or every time. I will keep note.

[forelocked]

But they've got photographs, and I can't draw. Sometimes plants look really similar, but one tastes good and one can kill you.

I mean, I can see how managing the library is a good idea, but I think you're going too far. If you can send out assistants to get books back anyway, why can't you let people take them out for a little while? Since you're a magic bird--or something.

[Farlan doesn't even know what this thing is, or why he's attempting to reason with it.]

You're really going to accept things that I know?

[knowitowl]

This is where studying and experience comes in. If you are that unsure then you should likely not eat it until you are.

Of course. Knowledge is knowledge.

[misterbrief]

[That's more like it, he thinks to himself.]

Really? Well, that's good to hear. I'll hold you to that, you know.

[windandrain]

Because their nature is one of conflict.

[Not a statement, an observation.

Sorry Xellos the Mysterious Priest. Wan Shi Tong has definitely managed to be more reasonable than she'd expected. And they have more in common than not.]

[knowitowl]

You will find that I am a spirit of my word. However, in exchange for this service I would request some information of your world to replace the volumes.

[quantumtangled]

His name is Walter Bishop.

[knowitowl]

Ah, yes the angry man.

Why do you want to submit knowledge on his behalf? I find it hard to believe he has a lack if it himself.

[Action]

[savedtheworld]

I... I just wanted to look for some books. [He's a little frightened and also confused. He's definitely not used to seeing spirits from home suddenly in Luceti. He looks around uncertainly.] But now I'm confused. What library am I in again...?