A New Era in D’ni

Shorah!

We stand here today to take part in what many of us regard as a truly momentous occasion.

After ten thousand years of history, a catastrophic event that nearly destroyed it, and three halted restoration efforts, D’ni has lain mostly dormant for many years now.

We, as explorers, have held onto the belief that we could, in our own ways, continue to breathe life into the cavern.

In that endeavor, I believe we have been very successful over the years.

You’ve made this place your home away from home and have gone forth on the adventure of understanding the D’ni people, how they lived, and, of course, the worlds they visited via the Art.

We have also forged bonds with one another that have remained strong throughout the often joyous and occasionally troubled times.

Good or bad, we have faced it together, and because of our strength of character, persistence … and most importantly, those aforementioned bonds …

… after almost two *decades* …

… we are still here!

The D’ni Restoration Council admirably led the modern efforts to bring D’ni back to its former glory, and for that and the assistance they have offered over even these last few years, they have our gratitude.

They will always have a seat at the table should they ever choose to return.

But now … finally …

… it’s our turn.

Today, we officially begin a new restoration … *our* restoration … to continue what our predecessors started and to expand our knowledge of the D’ni through their home in the cavern and the incredible Ages contained here.

It is with that in mind that we are here today … to open the door to a new era in D’ni.

A new path … a new chronicle … a new journey.

Chiso Preniv, the Age you’re about to visit, will be the first gateway to a new gathering of Ages and points of interest here in the cavern that have been restored … or in some cases, Written … by us, the explorers of D’ni.

The Books you find there now are just the beginning. I’m hoping, as the months and years pass, fellow explorers will present more of their work to the library, and their contributions will be most welcome there.

This is, and will continue to be, the culmination of years of work by our fellow explorers, all contributing their time, efforts, and talents to making things ready for you all to see.

This is the fruit of their tireless labor. For that, from the bottom of my heart, I thank them. *All* of them.

There are too many names to mention … but each and every one has been an important part of launching this new era.

If they would like to make themselves known … I leave that decision to them, as I would respect any choices of anonymity … but if they do speak up, be sure to give them thanks!

They are often the unsung heroes here in the cavern. They put in untold weeks, months, and even years of labor on an entirely volunteer basis to bring us all the amazing things we will see and experience.

Put simply, we would *not* be here today without them.

There is one more group I’d like to turn our thoughts to today:

Our friends that are no longer with us.

They too are an important part of why we’re all still here today. They are with us now in spirit … and as we go into the future, they will always be with us.

This is as much for them as it is for us.

We’ve all come a long way and experienced much. Yet there is still *so* much more out there for us to explore!

Now, more than ever, these words ring true:

“The ending has not yet been written.”

With all that said … I give you Chiso Preniv … the first step towards a new future in D’ni!