[Library]The Grand Library and Archive of Hhiastrio

[AngelSword]

In the great elven nation of Hhiastrio, few things are more treasured than knowledge. Imourhn, the patron god of the elves and official record keeper for Janus, instills that same love of knowledge into His children. And much like Imourhn, the elves maintain cathedral-like libraries, housing aging tomes, forgotten by many of the mortal races.

In the massive trunk of the Elven Council's tree lies the Grand Library and Archive. Taking up nearly one third of the space inside, the Library is nearly 500 square feet, and at least twice as tall. The walls are lined with massive shelves, all of which are packed to capacity with books from every era since the Reckoning of Law.

Navigating the Library is an impossible feat for many, and many thieves have gone mad (and subsequently perished) attempting to filch one of the many priceless tomes held within. In fact, only three people possess the ability to locate any given work without the aid of the arcane servants; the incumbent chairman of the Elven Council (a requirement of the position), the High Priest of Imourhn, and Archivist Llewelin, the maintainer of the Library.

[The theme is, "Elves of the Confederate Planes," which is my custom campaign world. There is little difference between it and the "default" world of D&D, and the differences shouldn't affect the final outcome, but will be noted if needed.]

[AngelSword]

[Does Might Make Right?: The History of Human War]
Written by Mikk Moorediver
Viewed by some as a sort of "comedy of errors," the book was written, as the author put it, to spark debates amongst those who read it about the human tendency to war without purpose. However, the book is wrought with factual errors and unfounded speculation presented as truth. Since human and elven relations are in such a strong state as to grant a stable alliance, many who read it are merely looking for evidence as to why the author, a half elf with a weight problem, takes his human ancestry as a burden.

[The Rise of Elis, Ruler of the Pirate Isles]
Written by Elis Milan Lyro Quicktracks
Largely considered the greatest work of fiction known, some scholars believe it to be in regards to a plane of existence far removed from the Prime. Much of the seven volume set recounts the tale of Elis, a halfling friend to the dragon elf god, Azghorra. Oddly enough, however, is the fact that the story describes Azghorra as an elf. While it is widely believed by His temple, not many outside of Az's clergy is aware of such a tale. In fact, the story shows insight into the Patron of the Dragon Elves in ways that not even all but the highest of His priests can comprehend.

The end of the seventh book seems to trail off, as though the set is not complete.

Spending a week of study with this collection grants the reader a +2 insight bonus to Diplomacy checks made with the clergy of Azghorra.

[Ebony Skin: My Adventure in the Planar Bowels]
Translated by Baroness Dyana Leafsonnet, High Priestess of Azghorra
Believed to have been penned by Azghorra himself, this book tells the tale of an adventurer's journey into the Planar Bowels, the labyrinthine caves beneath the Prime Material Plane. The adventurer, who speaks in the first person and never names himself, tells of his encounters with the various denizens therein. About half of the book covers his encounter with the dark elves. And what a tale he spins. The almost unbelievable tale begins when he is taken prisoner by a patrol, sweet talks his way into slavery, gets noticed by a noble woman, becoming her personal…toy, and eventually running away with her after her family's Patriarch discovers her cavorting with the likes of him. The fantastic tale ends with a with heartbreaking scene where the adventurer returns to the surface, and his love remaining underground as an outcast, despite his insistence for her to join him.

[Ley Lines and You: A Practical Guide to Mana]
Fourth Edition edited by Council Leader Eliade, Head of the Eighth Council of Hhiastrio
Considered one of the most important books on the workings of magic in Numyth, this tome describes, in detail, the streams of pure magic that flows beneath the planes. This pure magic, called Mana, is what gives arcane spellcasters their powers, possessing the knowledge to draw and shape it to their hearts' desire. The book also goes into detail about the nature of mortal beings in relation to Mana, even going to say that all beings, despite their magical talents, are tied together by it, and it can be used to heal or harm.

Understanding the book grants the user a +2 insight bonus on Spellcraft and Knowledge (Arcana) checks while the book is in their possession. Additionally, three times a day, the user can use the book to channel a spell slot to mimic a Cure or Inflict spell of an equal level. For example, a sorcerer can sacrifice a 3rd level spell in exchange for a Cure Serious Wounds, cast at his caster level. Alternatively, the same spell slot could be channeled to cast an Inflict Serious Wounds.

The entire book is written in Elven. A successful Decipher Script check of 22 allows the reader to use any of its powers.

Strong Conjuration; CL 15rd; Craft Wondrous Item, greater shadow conjuration, creator must be an elf; Price 130,500 gp.

[Numyth: A Brief History]
Written by Archivist Llewelin
In an attempt to localize the knowledge of the Prime Material Plane of Numyth, Archivist Llewelin condensed what he had read into a single, weighty tome. Nearly 3,000 pages, it is a lengthy read, indeed, chronicling the majority of the Plane's history, including the founding of many of the major cities.

After deciphering the script, the user can cast Legend Lore at will, so long as the book is within their possession; the casting time is always 1d10 days, regardless of the caster's prior knowledge of the subject. Upon completion of the casting, the book opens to a new page, containing the requested knowledge.

In addition, the user can use Bardic Knowledge at his character level, as well as an inherent +20 to Knowledge (History) checks made regarding the Plane of Numyth.

Overwhelming Divination; CL 29th; Prerequisites: Craft Wondrous Item, Craft Epic Wondrous Item, legend lore, bardic knowledge; Market Price: 300,000 gp.

[The Unabridged History of the Confederate Planes]
This massive tome, roughly 60 square feet and weighing approximately 12 tons, lies in the back of the Library, secreted behind a false wall leading to a cavernous room. Propped up on an altar in the back of the room, The History is open to the middle, and words frantically scribble across the once blank page. As the words reach the end of the page, the book magically turns to a fresh page, and despite this, it remains open to the center of the book.

Many go through their lives without ever laying eyes upon The History, and for good reason. Within its countless pages lies the complete history of the planar system of the Confederate Planes, to include each of the four Prime Materials (Numyth, Ghren, Necros, and Bennfeht), as well as the events of the Reckoning of Law, the rise of each deity, and why the Planar Overlays at each meeting of the Primes are such a tumultuous chaos.

But the knowledge of these events are not why people are forbidden from gazing upon the book. Should a villainous individual gain access to the tome, he will have complete control over history. The unique nature of the book makes any words written in it reality. Therefore, any person with enough madness can alter any event in history to suit their own needs. Similarly, any future event written into the book will come to pass. Too many times has this power been abused by the mortal beings of the world. Thus, the elves have hidden it away, and only Archivist Llewelin seems to look upon it to study the history of the Planes.

[AngelSword]

The Archivist's Stair
This green, marble disc is intricately carved with a very long, High elven proverb along its edge. Roughly five feet in diameter, it hovers a few inches above the ground.
Crafted as a gift to Archivist Llewelin from the Temple of Imourhn, the stair is used to zip its user to the precise location of any book in question. By speaking the name of a book held in the Library, the disc carries its user to the section in which the book is located, and up to its shelf, putting the book at eye level, if it lies above the user's natural reach. In addition, if a user asks for a topic, the stair will bring the user to the three most relevant books on the subject.

Faint divination; CL 3rd; Craft Wondrous Item, floating disk, locate object; Price 12,000 gp.

[AngelSword]

Archivist Llewelin
Wiz 10/ Lore 10
Size/Type: Medium Humanoid
Hit Dice: 20d4 -19 (46 HP)
Initiative: +2 (+2 Dex)
Speed: 30 ft. (6 squares)
Armor Class: 21 (+8 armor, +2 Dex, +1 Dodge)
Base Attack/Grapple: +10/+9
Attack: Llewelin's Sword +13 (1d8 + 2)
Full Attack: Llewelin's Sword +13/+8 (1d8 + 2)
Space/Reach: 5 ft./5 ft
Special Attacks: None
Special Qualities: Elven traits
Saves: F: +11 R: +12 W: +21
Abilities: Str 8, Dex 14, Con 8, Int 22, Wis 16, Cha 14
Skills: Concentration +23, Decipher Script +30, Knowledge (Religion) +30, Knowledge (Arcana) +30, Knowledge (History) +33, Perform (Comedy) +6, Profession (Archivist) +26, Spellcraft +30
Feats: Skill Focus [Knowledge (History)], Scribe Scroll, Extend Spell, Silent Spell, Spell Mastery (Legend Lore, Locate Object, Comprehend Language, Tongues, Prying Eyes, True Seeing), Imrpoved Counterspell, Craft Wondrous Item, Improved Familiar, Spell Penetration, Toughness
Gear: Bracers of Armor +8, Robe of the Archmagi (gray), Ioun Stone (clear), Greater Cloak of Displacement, Boots of Levitation, Llewelin's Sword (+3 Dancing Longsword)

Archivist Llewelin is a quiet, studious old elf, whose only love in life is his beloved Library. It is rumored that he is the original developer of it, but most think this story a derisive jab at his age. Llewelin is fluent in common, elven, draconic, dwarven, celestial, infernal, abyssal, and sylvan.

Since he can locate any book within the Library in a matter of moments, he maintains no spellbook of his own, but has access nearly every spell put to parchment (any spell that is considered core is in the library, and can be prepared as normal; non-core spells have a 50% chance of being in the Library, 35% if the spell appears in a setting specific source).

Combat: During combat, Llewelin's first concern is for his Library, and will do anything to keep it from harm. He prefers to prepare spells to disable an assailant, instead of eliminating them, but will always have Time Stop prepared, to retreat and lock down the Library, should it become necessary.

Chosen Secrets: Secret Health, The lore of true stamina, Dodge Trick, Weapon Trick, Instant Mastery

Greater Lore (Ex): Llewelin can understand magic items, as with the identify spell.

True Lore (Ex): Once per day Llewelin can use his knowledge to gain the effect of a legend lore spell or an analyze dweomer spell.