Great Arcaneum of Alcaster

The Great Arcaneum of Alcaster, often called the Great Arcaneum or simply the Arcaneum, is a library located in the city of Alcaster. It is one of the largest and most significant libraries in the world.

Design and Layout

Built of the same white stone that makes up a majority of the city of Alcaster, the Arcaneum is located in the Diamond Quarter, in the center of the Eliosan Plaza. In the center of the stairway leading to the main door sits a statue of the goddess Moni, a patron of learning and scholarly endeavors. Within, a central atrium stretches up to the ceiling, although large iron bars line the opening to the atrium on the fourth floor.
The first floor contains books for the majority of the general public. Works of fiction, poetry, and romance make up the western wing while historical works and reference books make up the east wing. A large study and reading area is situated in the southern section, with the northern section housing the main entrance and reception area.
Scholarly articles, essays on history, and academic theses take up the second floor. Here is where the majority of scholars choose to study.
The third floor consists primarily of primary sources; historical documents, copies of treaties, and genealogical research.
The general public is barred entrance to the fourth floor. As such, it is not known by most what exactly is located here. Most are aware that scrolls of ancient magics are located on this floor, but as to what else could be here is a secret known by only a few.

Notable Books

• Ranaril and Judith by Wilrose Shiverpike. This epic poem about elf and a human on opposite sides of the Mitican War who fall in love is often heralded as one of the greatest love stories of all time
• Dusk by Siggfreida Michelsdottir. A popular young adult romance novel, Dusk tells the story of a young woman named Beatrice who is in a love triangle with an incubus named Eustace and a werebear named Jacolby. Three sequels were written: Dusk: Solstice, Dusk: Waxing Gibbous, and Dusk: Cracked Morning.
• The Fall of Arideia and Musings on Magic by Antonine Motin, 22nd High Erudiomancer of Aderhok. These two separate essays are often bound together, as they are regarded as two halves of a whole. The first essay documents the buildup, fighting, and aftermath of Augustin's Rebellion, and the effects of the fall of the Arideian Empire. The second essay discusses the broader effects of the fall of Arideia on magic as a whole, as well as detailed observations on arcaltium. The essays are known to be extremely dry and boring.
• Non Est Verum by Mendax the Lesser. This ancient historical text from the time of the Arideian Empire was once regarded as an authority on most subjects it covered, but is now known to be almost entirely fabricated.

Type

Library