In The Age of Decadence, the player-character's Journal is a collection of helpful records, references, and reminders. It is accessed by the J key or by clicking the "open book" button on the interface. {image of Journal button}
The Journal is divided into eight sections:
Quests[]
The top two sections divide quests you've taken on into Active and Completed entries.
Active[]
Quests you've agreed to take on (or occasionally been forced into) which have not yet been resolved
Completed[]
Quests which have come to an end, one way or another - unsuccessfully completed as well as successfully completed
Techniques[]
An extensive listing of Crafting procedures and Alchemy formulae, with brief descriptions of the purpose/effect of each
Items[]
This section keeps track of the pre-war artifacts your character has acquired - whether or not you are aware of their purpose.
{screenshot - I'm thinking just Grooved Sphere & Power Module}
Factions[]
This is your portable mini-Encyclopedia of Important Organizations - just a picture of each major power's banner with a basic paragraph for each regarding their history and motivations.
{screenshot}
Locations[]
Once you have traveled to a Location on the World Map, a brief descriptive entry will be added here.
{screenshot - just Teron?}
Characters[]
Each time you meet a significant NPC (more or less anyone who gets a portrait during dialogs), an entry for them will appear here, briefly describing their background, attitude, and reputation.
{screenshot - Antidas and a guild officer or two?}
Lore[]
This is more like a 'notebook' than the rest of the Journal. Each time you discover a notable piece of history or legend - from itinerant storytellers and ancient records alike - a text entry (containing a short version) is added.
{screenshot - maybe 2 or 3 entries}
Some of these entries will unlock dialog options during your investigations.