Imperial Library

The Phoenix Diaries: Chronicles of a Lost Empire

The Phoenix Diaries, penned by Emperor Achilleus Chliarinos, stand as a seminal narrative for the As'hika Empire, which flourished until its collapse in 760 AA. These diaries are not merely historical records but also encompass manuals on the mystical and governance philosophies that underpinned the empire. Originally distributed across various regions to safeguard their wisdom, the diaries were dispersed long before the establishment of the Imperial Library of As'hika, which later housed only two of these volumes—Volumes 1 and 7—until their loss in the subsequent destruction of the library.

Overview of the Phoenix Diaries

Scope and Distribution:

Each diary covers distinct aspects of the empire's operations—from the manipulation of magical energies to the intricate balance of political power. Emperor Achilleus's strategy to distribute these diaries across different regions was designed to embed the empire's legacy throughout Exalia, ensuring that the knowledge would transcend regional conflicts and generations.

Volumes Housed and Lost:

Initially, the Imperial Library of As'hika only secured Volumes 1 and 7. The library’s downfall during the war of Armorican Succession in 1255 AA sealed the fate of these volumes. Persistent rumors suggest that other volumes might still exist, particularly fueled by whispers that the Papacy of Chamalia has found and is secretly safeguarding one of the diaries, though these claims remain unsubstantiated.

Contents and Significance of the Diaries

 
First Log: World and Its Functioning - Discusses the foundational principles that governed the physical and magical realms.
 
Second Log: Divinity and Deities - Explores the emperor's divine relationships and theological justifications for his rule.
 
Third Log: Mana - Details the management and utilization of mana for the empire’s magical and technological operations.
 
Fourth Log: Blood - Covers the strategic use of blood magic within the empire, including its regulation and impact.
 
Fifth Log: Soul - Examines the implications of soul-based magic on ethics and governance.
 
Sixth Log: Dimensions - Investigates the empire’s exploration of different dimensions and their impacts on expansion and defense.
 
Seventh Log: Void and Latentium - Allegedly delves into the void and latentium as sources of untapped power, potentially explaining some of the darker, more secretive aspects of the empire's later years.
 
Eighth Log: Circle and Politics - Analyzes the political structures and the dynamics within the empire’s ruling circles.

Conclusion

Now, in the year 3216 AA, the Phoenix Diaries symbolize the lost wisdom and power of a bygone era, shrouded in the mystery of their disappearance. The search for these diaries continues to captivate historians, scholars, and treasure seekers across Exalia, fueled by the hope that rediscovering them could unveil secrets of the As'hika Empire’s rise and fall.

Structure

Library

603 AA Cotoneum 2 - 1255 AA Frigidi 9

Alternative Names

The Grand Library

Demonym

Librerium