The League of Historians

Ironically, the date of the founding of The League of Historians (AKA: The League or The Historians) is unknown, however, records seem to indicate a start date preceding 1300 BS. This would make The League the most continuous organisation in the world. The modern-day mission statement of The League is the "studying, preserving, and sharing of the cultures, stories, and languages of the world."

## History

### 1300 BS - 100 BS

During this time, The League of Historians was wildly disorganised and decentralised. Most Historians were simply trained by another, without any sort of organisation behind it.

### 99 BS - 119 AS

This is when the ideals of the Historians took shape.

#### The Historian's Mask

"The Historian's Mask" was written by Derxan Allegan in 99 BS describing the focus needed by an Historian. Other Historians latched onto this idea and began adhering to the strict principles described by the work.

#### The Historians Library

In 72 AS, The Historians Library was founded on Tanaquil by Queen Atlas Everfree of Lilibel. Stories from all over the world would pass through those halls.

### 120 AS - 1650 AS

Though prior eras of Historians' records include mention of magic, alchemy, and other fanciful elements, such things waned as humanity approached the second century after The Scorching. At this point, The League of Historians began writing in a more narrative format, with far more realism, and from more personal angle.

#### Artema Nede

Born in 80 AS, Artema Nede had always been fascinated by stories. At 14 years old, she left the Isles of Nede to travel the world to study the famed Explorer. Her series on The Explorer, published in 113 AS, is the most read series in the history. It was this narrative and personal storytelling that inspired her when she became a member of The League in 120 AS. Considering the work she had accomplished beforehand, she rose rapidly to prominence amongst the other Historians.

Other Historians followed her example of putting a personal touch on history and participating in it, rather than watching from the side. We will see that, as we move through this era, more historians begin having families and personal lives - despite it not being absolutely prohibited by The League. As the strict adherence to the ideals of "The Historian's Mask" fade, we see The League of Historians prosper.

### 1651 AS - Present

It was during this period that we see a rise in physicalism amongst Historians. Physicalism in the context of The League of Historians is the focus on artifacts and using them in an attempt to understand the past retrospectively.

#### Jack Seppit

Jack Seppit was a Norwardian Historian who found a fascination with the physical realm. He most well-known for his journey around the continent of Adahlia. This journey, lasting from 1651-1677, saw his collection, not only of thousands of stories and notes, but of artifacts as well.

## Organisation

### History

The League of Historians had been decentralised for it's early history, however, as of 72 AS, The League had a hub at The Historians Library on Tanaquil. Despite this hub, there was no "management". The Belian monarch had organised The Library, but reportedly has had little or nothing to do with the daily operation of the organisation. It wasn't until Artema Nede became an Historian that things became more organised. It was thanks to her popularity that she was able to organise The League in a way that would effectively collect history from every corner of the Earth. During Artema's time, she gave Historians specific assignments, lending her own direction, drive, and organisational skills to The League.

In 132 AS, she organised quorums "for the learning, preserving, and sharing of all cultures, stories, and languages." Each quorum was to focus on a separate corner of the world. These boundaries have changed wildly overtime, but have remained a staple of how The League operates. Similarly, the words "learning, preserving, and sharing" are common in the Historian's lexicon.

As the world's population grew and more began happening, The League decided to build campuses around the world. The second campus was built in Atlas, Lilibel in 1408, near the royal palace. The project was commissioned by the royal family and, once opened, welcomed people from all over. The next was completed in 1479 on the Isle of Slate; which The League chose because of the variety and amount of people who visit the Isle of Slate. These Libraries began operating as hubs for Historians around the world.

### Present

#### The Historians Library on Tanaquil

The Historians Library on Tanaquil is the headquarters for the entire League of Historians. The Grand Librarian is at the head of the Library, with a staff of curators, storytellers, Historians at their disposal. Other than its age, there is little that differentiates this Library from any other campus. Most original documents and artefacts tend to stay in their original community.

#### Additional Campuses

Today, there are over 200 Libraries around the world, each focused on "learning, preserving, and sharing" the "cultures, stories, and languages" of their respective regions. Each campus is led by a Librarian, contributed to by several Historians, and staffed by students, curators, and storytellers.

#### Funding

The League of Historians is funded through many sources, including public and private donors, museum exhibitions, and sales through their publishing wing.