Memories of Impermanence

Banner: illegal_melon / icon: mango_prism The world is a place of joy and misery, but one thing is certain. It all comes to an end. We cannot run in fear of what is inevitable, so let’s make the most of it while we’re here. These are the memories honoring those who lived in this world as recounted by the Chronicler. You can request stories ofa specific character via the button below.

[feathered-chronicler]

The Chronicler, Keeper of Memories Year 26,240

This world is a fleeting experience, shared by a wide cast of characters, some meek and fearful and other wild and brash. Here, I shall reminisce and share the stories of the inhabitants of this world. I will tell their stories as written in the countless volumes of the Library and you'll see this world from perspectives rife with tragedy, joy, love and loss. However, there is one thing for sure: everything must come to an end.

For millennia I despised mortals for their temporary existence. As one who valued history and legacy above all else, I held nothing but contempt for the fragile mortals, whose decades of life would amount to nothing more than a speck in the vast timeline of this world. They would be born, wander aimlessly in their pitiful search for purpose and then perish, forsaken by the gods they clung so fervently to. However, over twenty thousand years have taught me that I was the blind one. For all the memories and knowledge I observed and obsessed over, I could not imagine a life other than my own. In honor of the ones I have watched and cherished, here are their stories. Some are happy. Most are tragic. All end in death, be it a satisfying release or a bitter collapse.

The world is at its end. I sit here in my study, surrounded by the ink and memories of millions, with naught to do except think and read. I write these documents in the hopes that it may somehow transcend this world as it crumbles around me. I am sure that all the others who are still around are enjoying these final moments before the end. I can see them with their loved ones - friends, siblings and pets alike - as they reflect on all the experiences of these years. This world is not destined to be much longer, but I am grateful for every memory that has blessed me since I first manifested here. I hope you can enjoy them too.

[feathered-chronicler]

A Tale of Creations and Death

The Chronicler, Keeper of Memories Year 0

Before everything there was a void. In this void nothing was born, nor did anything die. Eternal emptiness ruled the vast stretches of the endless space. At the center of everything laid two divine beings - a matching pair, contrasting each other in every way. One was a blinding bright beast - the divine being of Permanence, large and proud. The other was a dark little runt - the divine being of Impermanence. Often Impermanence had struggled for control over the void, yet all its attempts proved fruitless. The infinite space remained undisturbed under Permanence’s rule.

However, after untold time Impermanence snuck away as Permanence slept. From a mass torn from its own body, Impermanence shaped a world. It was a small and fragile thing, but it belonged to Impermanence, who had long yearned for something to happen. Satisfied with the mere act of its creation, Impermanence left the world, though never taking its eyes off its prized possession. The world remained empty for ages. Shores grew and eroded, mountains grew and collapsed, forests expanded their borders. The time came when Permanence discovered the existence of the world. Outraged, it descended upon the world, ready to rip it apart.

With its creation under threat of destruction, Impermanence stepped in to defend it. Fragments of Permanence, torn off from its body, fell into the world, showering it in immortal aberrations. They would withstand even the most powerful storms, and fearsome volcanos, even absorbing their essences and phenomena. Thus the first fragments were born and scattered around the world. Being the runt, Impermanence knew it could not win. However, for the preservation of the world Impermanence passed its creation through its fangs and into its body. As the world passed through Impermanence’s ethereal body, parts of Impermanence were spread throughout the world, giving birth to mortal creatures. These beings would be born, live their lives and eventually die. Even the largest creatures and tallest trees would eventually wither away. Despite all this, Impermanence continued to fight Permanence. It knew it would lose, but for the sake of its precious toy, Impermanence would fight until its very existence gave out.

The beasts gnawed and beat each other for millennia, tearing chunks out of each other until at last Impermanence was struck down for all eternity. With Impermanence too weak to continue, Permanence tore its sibling apart bit by bit so it would never recover. Strewn across the vastness of the void in many parts, unable to move, and at Permanence’s mercy, Impermanence ceased to exist. From the fading shell of Permanence's heart emerged the bright orb, clamoring with all the emotions and experiences of its inhabitants. With Impermanence dead, no more mortals were born. Famine spread as crops withered away. Fragments watched as society perished before their eyes. Taking no pity on the last remnants of Impermanence, Permanence took the world in its claws and slipped it into its jaws.

In these moments the last throes of mortals rang out and simmered away. As Permanence swallowed, lost Fragments reunited with their master and the world became no more. The void had at last returned to its silent peace. Whole once again, Permanence found a comfortable spot, curled up, and fell asleep knowing nothing would, nor could, happen again