Jurixe's Opening Ceremony and Speech (Convention)

** The inaugural Asterian Convention, a five-city gathering showcasing culture and tradition, is
being held at the Asterian Restoration of Meropis! Enter the portal before the bridge to Delos to be
a part of it! **

Jurixe says in a raised voice, "Welcome, one and all, to the estate of the Asterian Restoration...
and the inaugural Asterian Convention."

The steward of the Asterian Athenaeum says, "I have long dreamed of an organisation like the
Asterian Restoration: one where knowledge can be freely shared with all who seek it peacefully. It
is an honour beyond compare to serve as its steward."

Jurixe nods her head at the steward of the Asterian Athenaeum.

Jurixe says in a raised voice, "Well said, and the presence of you all here this month have made
what was once a dream reality."

Jurixe says in a raised voice, "Never before has there been a gathering such as this - a world
convention where people of different faiths, beliefs and backgrounds come together in peace solely
for the pursuit of knowledge."

Jurixe says in a raised voice, "Our differences are no excuse for ignorance. You cannot truly hope
to convince or to fight that which you do not know."

Jurixe asks in a raised voice, "If your faith is strong, it must be able to withstand challenge, and
how can you do that if you knowingly choose to blind yourself to available avenues of
understanding?"

Jurixe says in a raised voice, "Through learning, we grow. Not simply as a person, but as a
civilisation."

Jurixe says in a raised voice, "When the Seleucarian Empire fell, the survivors plunged into a dark
age. They were set back centuries in technological and theological advancement because of the loss
of their stored knowledge."

Jurixe says firmly in a raised voice, "This cannot happen to us."

Jurixe spreads her arms wide in an encompassing gesture.

Jurixe says in a raised voice, "The coming of Bal'met proved that we can band together as a
continent to defeat threats by force."

Jurixe asks in a raised voice, "Why can we not do the same to banish the enemies of ignorance and
apathy, who have a far more insidious hold on us and are, arguably, even more destructive over
time?"

Jurixe says in a raised voice, "It is in this spirit that we first mooted the idea of the Convention,
 and it gives us great pride to see it finally being made reality. It could not have happened
without my fellow Founders of the Restoration, the Ministers of Cultural Affairs of the various
cities and their associates, and Divine members of the Garden...and I thank you all."

Jurixe turns her gaze to various people, nodding slightly in acknowledgement towards them as she
catches their eyes.

Stepping down from the staircase, Jurixe moves towards what appears to be a covered plaque upon a
nearby pillar.

Jurixe says in a raised voice, "We also wish to honour today all the individuals and organisations
who made all this possible, and who were willing to take that initial leap of faith by pledging
their support."

Jurixe grasps the covering cloth, and, with a flourish of fabric, pulls it free to reveal a marble
plaque of appreciation.

Ellodin smiles brightly at a marble plaque of appreciation.

Jurixe says in a raised voice, "Their faith in us shall be commemorated for all time, so that all
who visit the Athenaeum from now on know of their contributions."

Jurixe says in a raised voice, "With that, on the behalf of the Asterian Restoration, I formally
declare the inaugural Asterian Convention..."

Jurixe says jubilantly in a raised voice, "...open!"

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