As they fled Argus, a handful of Draenei scholars combined their experience and whatever records they could to ensure its survival during their flight. From herbalism to arcane mysteries, teachings of the Light to Rangari scouting techniques, these scholars inscribed volume after volume, binding them in metal plates that would never tarnish.
Keeping one step ahead of the Legion, they recruited others, gathering artifacts to add to their precious vault and preserving only those relics that would serve their people in both history and function. These scholars, now known as the Tomekeepers, continued to grow their collection.
When the eventual destruction of the Outlands became unavoidable, they once again consolidated their collection, crafting another set of tomes with pages of metal, saving the artifacts that could not be abandoned and detailing the rest for future generations.
Both sets of Tomes were protected through both war and natural disaster, trusted to each generation.The Tomekeepers’ inclusive methods allowed for both practical application and theoretical research in all areas.
When the Dark Portal opened and remained so, a few operatives took the opportunity to travel to Azeroth. There, they found an immense wealth of knowledge that they could not hope to curate in their lifetimes.
(Deathwing art by Yaowenro)
Deathwing’s Cataclysm struck, striking home the realisation that this new planet might just suffer the same fate as those that came before. With the blessing of the Draenic Tomekeepers, the Azerothian chapter began growing in earnest, not only working to preserve historical knowledge, but also to apply it more effectively in preventing another disaster.
As more dangerous and deadly relics were unearthed, and even created, by the many conflicts and struggles that plagued the planet, the Azerothian chapter managed to find a steady foundation.Their interests expanded yet again, in the light of the faction warfare that continued to spark between the Alliance and the Horde.
The Azerothian chapter created a network of spies, information brokers, and messengers, serving the interests of the planet as a whole without taking unnecessary sides.
This endeavour continued to fund their efforts as time went on. This, and their priceless wealth of knowledge, required that the Tomekeepers keep their archives a secret from all, even allies.
Now it has come time to abandon the Outlands. The original Tomekeepers having gleaned as much as they could from the disintegrating planet, the decision was made to relocate to Azeroth for good
The tomes were entrusted to the care of Zirsia, while the Archive of relics and remaining members of the society would follow once a place had been prepared.
A member of the Azerothian chapter, Archivist Renascia, traveled to the Outlands to escort Zirsia and the tomes. Upon their arrival, they found themselves forgotten, and the Tomekeepers’ great hall empty and abandoned.
The Azerothian chapter had disappeared without a trace, leaving no clue as to where, when, or under what circumstances they had left.
Without a treasury, no archive, and limited connection to the delicate, quickly disappearing information network, Zirsia and Renascia were faced with both a mystery and no spare funds with which to finance its solution.
Through fortune, chance or something more, new members have been directed their way from a destabilising organisation with similar methods and practicises.
Further, the Lady Amiara Thorne brought a proposal of her own services, providing the beginnings of access to new networking, contacts and contracts.
Now Zirsia’s mission to rebuild the Azeroth chapter, investigate the original chapter’s disappearance, and create a new sanctuary for the Draenor Archives begins in earnest.
Now, new Tomekeepers, like you, are needed more than ever...
https://tomekeepers.shivtr.com/
