Xīngyún

Meticulous, calm, and gifted with an elephantine memory, Xīngyún is an extremely competent archivist, deeply passionate about his work. From early childhood, everything seemed to predispose him to put his talents to use in the collection and preservation of knowledge. Thus, unsurprisingly, he pursued studies that led him to join the prestigious Celestial Academy of the Great Quills and the Illuminated, from which he graduated top of his class, diploma in hand, and was hired as an apprentice curator at the eminent Tower of Knowledge—being recognized as a seasoned Archivist even before the end of his first cycle. An honor and a duty he fulfills with joy every single day. And yet, since then, he has stagnated.

His far-too-accommodating temperament and rather unobtrusive nature completely overshadow skills that are, in truth, worthy of a Grand Archivist. His difficulty asserting himself and making his voice heard also works against him, and few of his colleagues take his advice and suggestions into account—or even notice him at all. And yet, his tasks are always carried out flawlessly, without anyone ever finding fault. It is as if he were the kindly, helpful ghost of the Tower, which offers him very little recognition in return. Not that he fundamentally needs it to appreciate his work—but a bit of warmth and human connection from time to time surely wouldn’t hurt…

Relationships and the world nonetheless seem fascinating. But one must still have the courage to experience them and explore their many facets. Yes, but perhaps none of that is truly meant for him in the end? Perhaps he is meant for one single thing only: to excel in his role as an archivist and observer, and nothing more. That isn’t so bad—limiting oneself to compiling the experiences of others in writing, so they may feed into that great whole known as Knowledge. He himself keeps his own small notebooks filled with insights gained through long years of observation. But what is knowledge truly worth without experience? So many questions pondered by the otherwise so learned Xīngyún. So much ignorance and erudition coexisting within the same soul.