The Hall of Memory

The Hall of Memory contains dozens of continuously maintained flames in braziers, specifically for the purpose of storing Neri memories within.   Neri cannot reproduce, and by the time another cycle is born of Neri, the previous population is nearing its death. To pass on knowledge, culture, and history, Neri have developed a peculiar ability to store their memories in flames. Flames generally burn out after a time, but at the Hall of Memory no flame is permitted to go out: all are kept burning, and all are added to with additional memories over centuries, or millennia.

The building itself is tall and wide, to disperse strong draphts which might extinguish flames. The Hall and its surrounding structures are made of grey stone, and embellished only in metals such as brass and iron, which the Neri have learned to forge themselves. The height of the structures allows the funneling of smoke into one of three big chimneys, which produce dark stripes of smoke in the sky visible from far away.   The only doors in the Hall of Memory are for the Hall's largest and most important rooms, and they are made of brass so they do not burn down themselves.   There is very little artwork or decoration made of any flammable materials, such as paintings or tapestries, as Neri who are untrained can often ignite these without meaning to do so. Instead, the structure is adorned with carved stone or delicate metalwork, which Neri Flame Tenderers have taken the time to craft when freed of their duties.   The Hall of Memory is built atop a steep rise, where any escaped flames are unlikely to spread at speed and threaten nearby properties or environments.

The Hall of Memory was first constructed before The Fall, having existed since at least 177 A.F.. A count of the First Seeker's memories (made with the permission of the seeker at the time) counts at least 14 sets of memories, which suggests at least 14 First Seekers have contributed to this brazier. Any prior history has been lost, as it was likely impossible to create paper records of events as Neri at the time.