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

[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.]

[aerialassault]

Uh. Right.

[Cliff scratche his head, clearly unimpressed by the pedantic owl.]

I get that-- but, listen. You're supposed to be able to borrow things from a library and bring it back when you're finished, that's why they're there. And we've got so many smart guys who don't like rules like that in this town that I don't think they're gonna follow all this.

[He knew they wouldn't. And, while he had no reason to indefinitely borrow anything from the collection, he intimately understood why some people would. Some pieces of information were too sensitive to be left out in the public.

Cliff shook his head, as if to clear the air.]

It's too much, man. And it ain't worth the fight.

[knowitowl]

That is only how some libraries work. There is far too much knowledge here that people can misuse. I will not allow it.

[aerialassault]

...

Has anyone given you the run down of this place yet? Because I don't think you know how it works.

[knowitowl]

I have read the entire log in the journal.

[aerialassault]

Then you understand that the people outside of this town are a bigger threat than anyone inside it, right?

[knowitowl]

I am aware of the Malnosso and the Third Party. I do not take sides. Violence and destruction is the same no matter what you call it or the reasoning behind it. It will also not change our situation.

[aerialassault]

And neither will putting all those rules in place-- in fact, that just makes it harder for the rest of us who are looking to defend ourselves from those guys.

Who, by the way, don't care that you're not taking sides. Like it or not, you're one of us now.

[knowitowl]

I will not allow the enabling of violence. Many of you already have means of defending yourselves. And what of the Third Party? Can you know for sure they aren't defending themselves in some way? Your view is not more important than theirs. Destruction is still destruction no matter what you wish to label it.

[aerialassault]

Sheesh. Don't get your feathers in a ruffle. [He whined as he spoke, scratching his head.]

Though, seems to me that you do need a primer on the Third Party. They really aren't innocent in his whole thing.

[knowitowl]

Perhaps not. However, if you wished to protect something, would you not do everything in your power to do so?

[aerialassault]

Nah-- I would, and I'm not disagreeing. I'm just saying that this ain't something worth fighting everyone over. People like their privacy, man. Some people aren't gonna be comfortable reading their books with you hanging around, especially after having all the space and freedom they wanted with the books for years now.

[knowitowl]

It is worth it to me. I have put my trust in humans far too many times, only to be tricked and betrayed in the end. I will not sit by and allow it to continue.

[aerialassault]

Yeah, I've had more than my fair share of dealings with frustrating Earthlings too, [Cliff said, scratching his chin. Despite appearances, he was not from Earth-- don't loop him in with them, please.]

But, like I already said. Things here work a little different. Is your distrust realy worth banning everyone from taking some light reading home for a few days?

[knowitowl]

I have been patient with humans for centuries. However, that patience has reached its limit. I have no reason to trust humans or anyone like them unless they are proven trustworthy. The threats, childish name calling, and petty arguments have done nothing to ease my concerns.

[aerialassault]

Alright then, let's try to work out a deal. What sorta things do you require to free up the fiction section of the library? It sounds like you're more concerned 'bout what happens with the reference books, but that's not something a person normally looks through on a saturday night. Fiction's where it's at, man.

[knowitowl]

Bargaining with an all knowing spirit? How intriguing.

[He sounds almost amused.]

Fiction is a relative term. What may be considered fiction in one world is reality in another. Such is the complicated nature of Luceti. A fictional book to you may be telling the life story of another who lives here.

(OOC: He's referring to things like the DBZ manga lol.)

[aerialassault]

Hey, I ain't one to back down from a challenge.

[Also, he's personally spoken to-- and beat up-- a few beings that were gods reative to his own existance. He was unimpressed with the experience.]

And that's just a risk we all take by being here. It's part of the nature of the place. But, you're a librarian, right? And I'm sure you keep track of who is who in town, and that you've read everything you've got in stock over there. How about we let you decide what works really are fiction for everyone. That way, we get some of our books, and you can keep whatever sensitive info you've got safe from anyone who's got dangerous plans.

[knowitowl]

Hm, I am willing to consider this. However, are you certain that everyone will agree?

[He has his doubts.]

[aerialassault]

I'm pretty sure they'll just be happy to have their books back.

[All confidence here.]

[knowitowl]

This arrangement is acceptable.

[Have a gold star.]

[aerialassault]

[He'll gladly hoard it.]

Great!

[He's beaming, and it's evident in his voice.]

It's been a pleasure doing business with you, and I'll keep you updated if I find anything cool.