Lwendiasa Library

Purpose / Function

Beyond Books

While the primary purpose is to house and preserve ancient and rare tomes, the Lwendiasa Library also serves as a sanctuary for scholars, mages, and curious minds. It's a place where knowledge is revered, and the pursuit of learning is celebrated.

Magical Research

The library's private rooms, especially those dedicated to studying magickal tomes like the Thalara, are essential for mages seeking to delve into forbidden knowledge. These spaces are often shielded by additional wards to protect both the mage and the library from the potential consequences of such studies.

Denizens

The Librarian

by Lady Wynter by way of NightCafe

The Librarian appears as a tall, slender woman with flowing, emerald green hair with brown skin and eyes of amber, shimmering with an inner light. She often wears flowing robes made of natural materials, such as leaves, bark, and vines.
She isn’t merely a librarian; she is the Lwendiasa Library itself, embodied in the form of a beautiful tree nymph. As the Knowledge Tree’s guardian and embodiment, the Librarian is deeply connected to the ancient institution she oversees. Her existence is inextricably linked to the Knowledge Tree. She is its protector, its nurturer, and its spirit.
With the Librarian being the embodiment of the Knowledge Tree, she possesses a vast and ever-growing knowledge base. She can access information stored within the library’s books and artifacts, as well as the collective wisdom of the ages. She shares this knowledge with those who seek it, offering guidance, insight, and inspiration.
As a nymph, the Librarian possesses powerful magickal abilities. She has the ability to manipulate the elements, communicate with animals and plants, and sense the emotions of others. With these abilities, she is able to protect the library and its treasures, as well as interact with the humans who come here.
The Librarian is a mysterious figure and despite her appearance no one is sure of her gender. But no one seems bothered by this fact. They see her as the representation of the Knowledge Tree, take great comfort in the interconnectedness of all things and the importance of preserving knowledge.

Other Residents

• Scholarly Residents:
• Permanent Residents: Many scholars, drawn to the library's vast resources and magical atmosphere, make the Lwendiasa Library their permanent home. These scholars usually study for years or even decades, dedicating their lives to the pursuit of knowledge.
• Thalara Scholars: Among the scholarly residents are a number of Thalara, known for their magickal abilities. These Thalara play a vital role in maintaining the library's wards and guiding other scholars to the resources they seek.
• The Head Thalara: One Thalara, typically a powerful one, serves as the head of the scholarly community. This individual is responsible for maintaining order, resolving disputes, and ensuring that the library's rules and regulations are followed. They also help with maintaining the wards, when needed.
• Non-Magical Scholars:
• Digital Specialists: While the Lwendiasa Library is primarily a repository of ancient texts and artifacts, it also houses a digital room where scholars can access electronic resources. Non-magickal scholars who specialize in digital technologies reside in the library to assist their peers in navigating these resources.
• Custodial Staff:
• Maintenance and Cleaning: A small team of custodians is responsible for the day-to-day maintenance and cleaning of the library. These individuals may also assist scholars in locating specific books or artifacts.
• Other Denizens:
• Magickal Creatures: The Lwendiasa Library is home to a variety of magickal creatures, such as bookwyrms, and sylphs. These creatures play a role in the library's daily operations or simply coexist peacefully with the human inhabitants.

Contents & Furnishings

Contents

• Comprehensive Collection: The Lwendiasa Library boasts a vast and diverse collection of books, covering a wide range of subjects. From ancient history and philosophy to magick and mythology, the library offers something for every scholar.
• Rare and Forbidden Texts: Among the library's most prized possessions are rare and forbidden texts that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. These books contain powerful spells, ancient secrets, and knowledge that is considered dangerous. The Forbidden Texts are housed in the Vault of Forbidden Knowledge.
• Magickal Grimoires: The library has a significant collection of grimoires, books that contain spells, incantations, and other magickal knowledge. Some grimoires are written in ancient languages while others are encoded with complex symbols, making them difficult to decipher.
• Alchemical Texts: For those interested in the study of alchemy, the library contains rare alchemical texts which describe the process of transmuting substances and creating magickal artifacts.
• Historical Records: The library has an extensive collection of historical records, including chronicles, diaries, and maps. These records provide valuable insights into the past and help scholars understand the events that shaped the world.

Furnishings

• Bookcases and Shelves: The library is filled with towering bookcases and shelves, overflowing with ancient tomes and scrolls. These bookcases are an eclectic collection of wood, stone, or enchanted materials.
• Reading Areas: The library has comfortable reading areas where scholars can sit and study. These areas include armchairs, sofas, and low tables with cushions.
• Study Carrels: For those who prefer a more private workspace, the library has individual study carrels. Some carrels are enclosed while others are open, giving scholars a choice based on their preferences.
• Map Room: A large map room is a prominent feature of the library, showcasing maps of the world, different realms, or specific regions. These maps vary from ancient or modern, and some are accompanied by navigational instruments and globes.
• Alchemical Lab: With the alchemical texts the library has, it houses an alchemical laboratory where scholars can experiment and conduct research. This lab is equipped with various tools, chemicals, and magickal artifacts.

Valuables

Magical Artifacts

In addition to books, the Lwendiasa Library contains a collection of magickal artifacts. These artifacts include enchanted weapons, talismans, and powerful relics.

Relics of Ancient Civilizations

The library houses relics from ancient civilizations, such as pottery, jewelry, or sculptures. These artifacts provide clues about the history and culture of these lost societies.

Forbidden Knowledge

Some of the library's most valuable treasures are hidden away in the Vault of Forbidden Knowledge. These treasures contains knowledge that is dangerous if misused.

Prized Manuscripts

The library possesses unique manuscripts, such as first editions of important works and handwritten copies of ancient texts. These manuscripts are valuable both for their historical significance and their intrinsic worth.

Alterations

Expansions

Over the centuries, the Lwendiasa Library has undergone various expansions to accommodate new collections and more scholars. These expansions have included new wings, chambers, and levels.

Renovations

Some maintenance to the structural integrity of the library has happened but it is rare for a Human to have to do so as the library has the ability to repair most damage. Magickal wards have been updated or changed depending on need. Some of the interior design has been updated based on the expansions that have been done.

Adaptations

As technology advanced, a new wing was created to incorporate digital information and provide a space for a few Arcane Matrixs for public use.

Architecture

Living Library

The library's seamless integration with the forest is more than just aesthetic. The trees provide natural light, filtering through the canopy to create a warm, inviting atmosphere. The roots of these trees extend deep into the earth, providing a stable foundation and contributing to the magickal wards that protect the library.

Hidden Chambers

Beneath the library's main hall, there is The Forgotten Vaults. It is a network of hidden chambers, known only to a select few. These vaults are guarded by intricate magickal wards that shift and change over time, making them difficult to locate and access. Furthermore, each vault is guarded by a powerful guardian that is bound to the library and its secrets. They ensure that the vaults remain undisturbed or they guard the knowledge within from those who would misuse it.

Magickal Elements

The Lwendiasa Library is protected by a complex system of magickal wards that are woven into the very fabric of the building. These wards are designed to keep out harmful influences, such as hostile creatures, dark magick, and inclement weather.

• Elemental Wards The library is surrounded by wards that draw upon the power of the elements. Earth wards protect the building from earthquakes and other natural disasters, while water wards purify the air and prevent moisture from damaging the books. Fire wards deter creatures that are vulnerable to heat, and air wards create a comfortable and breathable environment.
• Arcane Wards More complex wards are woven into the library's structure, drawing upon arcane energies to provide additional protection. A few of the wards are activated by a specific spell or ritual, while others are active at all times, silently guarding the library from unseen threats.
• Magickal Artifacts The library is also home to a collection of magickal artifacts that enhance its protective properties or provide other benefits. Some artifacts are hidden throughout the library, but others are displayed prominently as a testament to the library's power. An important artifact is:

Defenses

Magickal Wards

As previously mentioned, the Lwendiasa Library is protected by a complex set of magickal wards designed to keep out harmful influences. Some wards have been strengthened as needed so that they don’t fail. A few others have been modified or been added to help counter new threats.

Physical Security

In addition to the magickal defenses, the library has physical security measures in place, such as the digital room have locked doors and security guards.

Hidden Traps

On certain treasures or areas in the library, there are hidden traps to deter intruders or the uninitiated. These traps can be deadly depending on the area. The initiated are given the information to deactivate and rearm the traps.

History

A Timeless Treasure

Discovered in the year 1075, the Lwendiasa Library is a testament to the enduring power of knowledge. However, its origins remain shrouded in mystery. No one can definitively say when it was built or by whom.

Speculation and Theory

Over the centuries there has been a lot of speculation about the Lwendiasa Library. Many theories have arisen to explain its existence. The three most popular theories are:

• A Gift from Infinite Grace: One of the most enduring legends surrounding the Lwendiasa Library posits that it was a gift from Infinite Grace, a divine entity or force that transcends mortal understanding. This theory is supported by the library's seemingly timeless nature and its ability to withstand the ravages of time. It's believed that Infinite Grace, moved by a desire to preserve knowledge and wisdom for future generations, created the library as a sanctuary for learning.
• Lost Civilizations: Another compelling theory suggests that the Lwendiasa Library was built by a lost civilization that once thrived in the region. This civilization, perhaps advanced far beyond its time, may have possessed knowledge and technology that surpassed those of later generations. The library could be a remnant of their glorious past, a testament to their intelligence, culture, and dedication to learning.
• A Natural Phenomenon: A more unconventional theory proposes that the Lwendiasa Library is not the work of intelligent beings at all, but rather a natural phenomenon that formed over countless centuries. Some scholars believe that the library's magical properties and its seamless integration with the forest are evidence of a natural process, perhaps involving the alignment of celestial bodies or the convergence of powerful elemental forces.

The Search for Answers

Despite these fascinating theories, the true origins of the Lwendiasa Library remain shrouded in mystery. Scholars and adventurers alike have dedicated their lives to unraveling the secrets of this ancient institution. Some believe that the answer lies within the library itself, hidden in its ancient tomes or guarded by powerful enchantments. Others believe that the key to understanding the library's origins may be found outside its walls, in the legends and folklore of the surrounding region.

Discovery Date

15 Aurora 1075 AE

Type

Library

Parent Location

South Chrysalis

Connected Rooms

• The Vault of Elemental Power
• The Vault of Forbidden Knowledge
• The Vault of Lost Civilizations

Owning Organization

Cubria Empire

Drool...

This is a library, the one that all others aspire to be. This is where I truly want to be. There's no way I wouldn't find the answers I'm looking and answers to questions I don't even know I have. Knowing me, I would end up living there. And I'd better set this one aside and move on before I start drooling again.

~ Josiah Ward