Great Library

The temple of the God of Knowledge is guarded, as it always has been, by two stone guardians who stand on either side of the door, shields raised to bar entry. The one on the left is in the form of an elf and speaks Araith. The one on the right, in the form of a human, speaks Volic. If a single human approaches, the human-shaped guardian will ask them a riddle; if it receives a correct answer; the guardians will stand aside to let them enter. If an elf approaches, the other guardian will ask a riddle and stand aside if answered.
If a group approaches, the two statues will ask one riddle each—right, then left—and both must receive a correct answer before they will allow the group entry. The right-hand guardian's riddles tend to be easier.
As an additional layer of protection, the outer surface of the temple is covered with protective runes, which also form a ring around its perimeter. Fae and undead cannot pass this barrier, although it can be fooled by Nystul's Magic Aura. Hanging around just outside the barrier is a skeletal undead cat. If the party can cast Speak With Animals, the cat will communicate in simple sentences and concepts. It will tell the party that its friend, another cat, is stuck inside the barrier, and neither of them can cross it.
Inside the temple is a black-and-white cat which does not appear to be undead or otherwise anything other than a cat. Like everything within the barrier, it is under the effects of a preservation spell. Inanimate objects removed from the temple, such as books, will remain in their current condition but degrade naturally from that point as the spell fades; this can be halted by returning them to the temple. If spoken to, the cat is friendly but is unable to explain why or how it is here, or why it cannot leave. It will suggest asking 'the god' for information it cannot provide.
While inside the temple, any being can attempt to contact Tharos, the god of knowledge. He will manifest if anyone asks a question to which no-one in the group knows the answer, or if requested.

Type

Temple / Religious complex

Parent Location

Lost City of Kadar