The Book of Events Yet to Come

The Book of Events Yet to Come has been at the center of religious life in Alven for many centuries. The book records the essential prophecies and omens of The White Seer, the personal seer of the Thane, and other important holy men of the clanlands.
Every year, the prophecies and omens deemed important by the White Seer are added to the Book, and all of the other copies of the Book distributed throughout Alven. Every major cities and settlements have their own copy of it and it is up to The Stargazer of that area to add to the manuscript when instructed to do so by the Thane.
This book is greatly consulted by all clansmen and clanswomen, especially in the more remote regions of Alven. The book's influence has somewhat lost ground in the populous western cities such as the capital. The advances of scientific and mathematical thoughts might have something to do with this. However, the book is still a venerated relic that was influential in the past in running the country and the lives of its citizens.

Reading the Book

Despite the fact that many more Alvenites can read and write since the turn of the new century, there is still a number of people who are not literate in many parts of the country. These clansmen can access the sayings in the book by asking the Stargazer seer or his/her Abet for a reading and an interpretation of the texts. There is a fee involved in the transaction. The fee is modest for a simple reading. If someone would like a more in-depth look at their 'yet to come', the price will be considerably higher. You get what you pay for.

Purpose

The book's purpose is to provide guidance, which will lead to health and prosperity, to the clansmen and clanswomen of Alven.
The prophecies of the new year sought during the ceremonies of Beltane will help farmers, artisans and merchants prioritize their business. For example, if the Light Months are predicted to be very hot this coming year, then farmers will know they can sow their crops a bit earlier and might take advantage of two hay harvests instead of one. There are many uses of the prophecies and omens by the clans. Interpreting omens is big business (or used to be) and only a skilled seer will be able to give you the correct reading. It is why many seers find employment with chieftains and wealthy merchants throughout the land.

Historical Details

Legacy

The Events - as it is commonly referred to in Alven - has always been consulted in times of strife and transition. Nowadays, its influence and interpretation have been superseded by a more rational approach linked to the development of sciences. However, the Events is still held in reverence and awe by most Alvenites and great consideration is taken in continuing its update throughout the clanlands.
The importance of the book has very much depended on how religious a Thane is. The Books of Events Yet to Come is meant to be a tool of communication between the gods of Alven and their worshippers. A religious Thane will rely more heavily on the interpretations of the omens by his Seer and search the Otherworld for answers to his problems or the country's problems.

Image by Hao Du (Art Station)

Type

Decree, Religious

Medium

Vellum / Skin