The Reference Desk lists the basic details of all the fiction and non-fiction books, manuscripts, graphic novels, film scripts, TV shows, music, maps, ephemera, etc. mentioned in one of the Chronicles of Illumination novels, novellas, or novelettes.
After the beginning, but before the middle years of the existence of the Library of Illumination, the realms housing all literature fought so viciously among themselves, that it was decided to isolate them to preserve the history of literature. According to decree, the only connection between realms would be enchanted portals, controlled by the College of Overseers. Only the COO would have the power to transport through the portals to the twelve realms. The College of Overseers vowed not to interfere with the autonomy of the individual realms, unless the status quo was purposely tampered with by an internal or external force that overturned the delicate balance among the twelve different sovereignties.
The Library of Origination is located In Lumi, Lumina's capital city. It oversees twelve Libraries of Illumination that exist on a dozen different realms in the Illumini System.
NOTE: The Library of Origination follows its own design with the exception of size, staircases and stairwells and 11,111 additional sub-levels.
CLASS V
Readers are transported on a vacation adventure inside whatever book they choose
CLASS L
Books come to life with the scene from the page they are opened to
CLASS G
Genie of the book appears to determine the readers true intention and either offers assistance or stops those with nefarious intent
CLASS R
Books rearrange themselves daily in order of importance to what will happen that day
Each realm is self-sufficient and operates independently. In return for the guidance of an overseer, the realm pays a tithe—not money but the inclusion of all its new literature, art, math, and music into all the Libraries of Illumination. That way everything that’s newly created on an individual realm automatically becomes part of the entire library system on all of the realms.
Deans must remain fair and impartial at all times.
We cannot expect those we oversee to comport themselves properly unless we lead by example.
Deans must refrain from any liaisons that may limit their abilities to act on behalf of all residents of the Illumini System.
This precludes any overseer from becoming involved in any familial or intimate relationship. Sentimentality can cloud the mind. Love can color our decision-making. Fear for the safety of our loved ones can immobilize us. We must be free to act in the best interests of the many, therefore, we are precluded from falling victim to the interests of the one. All dependent relationships are strictly forbidden and punishable by loss of position, and blessings. Be forewarned: once the majorious longevicus blessing is reversed, metamorphosis could cause your biology and physiognomy to reflect your true age, which in many cases, could result in instantaneous death due to old age.
Deans are expected to be forthright and transparent in their thinking at all times.
United we show strength. Divided, we shall fail to prevail in the best interests of all. Unanimity is not only our greatest option, it is our only option.
No one library is more important than the others.
All Libraries of Illumination have been created equally, although they share different properties. The libraries are to be ruled by the College of Overseers, comprised of twelve deans and a master. Each dean is to be assigned to a different realm, however they all must work together as part of a single telekinetic entity.
The libraries were created to assess, inform, illustrate, and entertain.
Romantica, Juvenilia, and Mysteriose are class V libraries. They entertain. Their visitors actually enter into the books they read and become auxiliary characters.
Adventura, Dramatica, and Numericon are class R libraries. They inform. Their books rearrange themselves daily, in the order of their importance to current events in that realm.
Educon, Comedia, and Fantasia are class L libraries. They illustrate. They each have books that come to life.
Scientico, Inspiracon, and Terroria are class G libraries. They assess. Their books each have a presence that appears and determines the reader’s true intention for selecting it.
The portals are the official means of travel between libraries.
Originally, the libraries were designed to work together, allowing users to travel among them through the portals.
NOTE: The portals were sealed after the Two Millennia War to thwart military incursion.
All libraries house all accumulated knowledge of all twelve realms.
Literature, art, music, history, text, mathematics, scientific formulae, politics, drama, comedy, imagery, language, etc.
Library property is sacrosanct.
The sale, transfer, abuse, destruction or mutilation of any LOI property is strictly forbidden.
Services provided by the library are a gift to the community.
Charging for services is prohibited and will result in a curator's immediate expulsion.
The election of deans will be done through public challenges and voted on solely by the College of Overseers.
The curator of any realm is welcome to enter the challenge for overseer
LEVEL ZERO BOOKS
Action – Open Book: Absence of presence
Action – Close Book: Absence of presence
Consequence: No extra-physical properties [1]
LEVEL ONE BOOKS
Action - Open cover: Scene from book comes to life
Action - Close cover: Scene disappears
Consequence: No extra-physical properties [2]
LEVEL TWO BOOKS
Action - Open book: Scene from that page comes to life
Action – Close book: Characters/major objects disappear
Consequence: Detritus may not disappear. [3]
LEVEL THREE BOOKS
Action – Open book: Scene from that page comes to life
Action – Close book: Characters disappear
Consequence: Valuable objects may not disappear [4]
LEVEL FOUR BOOKS
Action – Open book: Characters come to life
Action – Close book: Characters do not disappear
Consequence: Mild havoc [5]
LEVEL FIVE BOOKS
Action – Open book: A portal to the literary world
Action – Close book: Intellectual interaction within the book
Consequence: Temporary or permanent disappearance from the physical world [6]
Longevicus Blessing: Overseers are enriched with special powers including longevity (one year for every millennia); transmogrification (shapeshifting); prophetic abilities; telekinetic unification; and the potential to see in the dark; conjure objects; and to travel through time.
Curator Orientation & Longevicus Ritual: Curators' aging is slowed to a rate of one year for every ten years, so they may serve the library for longer periods of time. They receive an implant of the Illumini constellation in their left palm which identifies them and their realms and acts as a key to some of the most secret parts of the library—like the vault.