The Annotated Alphabet
A highly prized book by Skolm, God of books and of memories, The Annotated Alphabet documents any and every character or sigil in any language put to writing, past or present. Skolm guards the text jealously, fearing that it would be lost or destroyed if left in mortal hands.
Purpose
The holy document's purpose is plainly given in it's name. It is a document that categorizes the complete alphabets of all languages in the world, as well as the pronunciations and potential meanings of the characters in them. It is meant as a means both for research and documentation. Skolm is nothing if not thorough and exacting. He predicted that, seeing the chaotic lives of mortals, that language would change over time, and so created this document so that the written word may still be read and used, and if so, that their memory, be preserved.
Historical Details
History
In the Lost Age, when the world of T'sara was one and the mortals who lived there were united without identity of nation or culture, they spoke with one voice that all could understand. Different parts of the world may have unique words, but they were still able to communicate easily. When he created the first text, as God of Books, he created the first alphabet, as guidance for how individuals may use his creation.
The Fey Crisis changed everything for the worse. As The Sundering broke apart the world into three continents, it too broke apart the peoples of it. One community became three, than dozens, and Skolm could see where this was headed. Language would shift as well; the alphabet he gave to mortals would no longer be consistent, or even useful. As a prevantative measure, he created this holy text. Like the holy text The Immaculate Instruction that he created alongside Hjanda, this would change and expand on its own whenever new characters were used, new languages formed, or other significant changes.
Public Reaction
Although not the most common benefactors, those most appreciative of The Annotated Alphabet are scholars; historians, archaeologists, and the explorers of the ancient past. Through the centuries that have past, there have been several languages, written and spoken that have fallen out of use and utter obscurity. Though some can be translated roughly, Skolm's immaculate text is the only way to be certain of the accuracy of their work.
Skolm has often been understood to be a difficult and tempermental God, despite his importance to mortals around the world. Still, even accounting for his aloofness and dismissive behavior, it is commonly held among those that are aware of The Annotated Alphabet that it should be more easily and commonly shared. Sailors, traders, diplomats, and those whose profession relies on interacting with many people of different tongues have always been in need of an easier minds of translating and understanding, and have felt that even small snippets of the holy book would beneficial to them. A few deemed as dangerous minds have not only called that Skolm provide more access to this, but have even called out that the God of Books and Memories keeping his holy book to himself goes against the very nature of its existence. A dwarf Collectors in the depths of Hammerdeep, unique for having been called a Heretic, dared to accuse of Skolm creating The Annotated Alphabet and keeping it to himself solely to create mortals dependant on him and granting praise on him for what little he provides to them.
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