The Companions Library
The Companions Library was once a ancient structure of unknown origins in Braddon Bog and it stood on this location as long as anyone can remember.. Then it was a church of the wyld faith briefly. Then a church of the Lightbringers as they tried to make inroads in the Lowlands and Braddon Bog. Even briefly it held a shrine to the fire goddess Merkaine. On the outside, it appears to be on the verge of collapse. The repairs are obvious, and it seems to always be springing new cracks and leaks. That aside, the foundations seem steady and the inside, while perpetually (and strangely) cold, is dry and kept clean. It was given its name when the Brave Companions inherited it from their predecessors The Band of Crows – who bought it (sort of swindled) the Lightbringers who wanted to build on newer and less… temperamental land (it collapsed on a few, even killing one priest – plus fires, floods, and broken steps were constant).
The library draws scholars to it, providing an influx of income int the small town of Braddon Bog (who have been helped, and in turn helped its owners over the decades).
CHRONICLE > Dunstrand Rising is a Living World campaign set in Grand Duchy of Dunstrand in the Steel Realms of the [Fantasy] Steel Realms Setting (planet of Helca).
This library is 4000 years old – dating back to around CY 5000. found under the church during excavations after the troll terror. The old church of Aerna has been converted into a library. The naive and main areas have all been converted into a reception and study. The original books found beneath the old Church of Light by the Band of Crows have all been indexed in Port Towne and copied. It is the originals which sit here. The ‘altar of sacrifice’ for Aerna has been broken and converted into a great hall’s fireplace to keep the entire main floor warm. A lot of recent mortar work seals the cracks and holes that thousands of years has created.
Gallantine Benefits: Half off for galantine members at the companion library for requesting sage work. Any volumes can be checked out for study and learning for free. The stay in town will cost you money. That is not a recoverable expense that can be made to your liege if you are a Bannerman. Unless it’s in service to some specific quest
Ezrilus Shrine: Small Private Prayer Chapel to Ezrilus – The Goddess of Magic has her due looked towards; there is a small wooden enclosure (which can be shut for privacy and silence) where those who require it may go and pray. All offerings are conveyed at the cost to the library to the temple of the goddess in Dusntrand City.
The Gallants Cemetery: All who serve as Gallants are buried with honor on the grounds, from the Band of Crows era till the present day. Each grave has a scroll of heritage, deeds, and notes in the library.
Items used in Library Services
The following items are carried by the senior librarian or their designate for policing the library itself. These items are promised to the library caretakers as part of its charter.
- Fine dagger (+1 base damage from a fine edge) gem in pommel and relief design; 700 silvers
- Staff of Abeyance named “Demons Bane” (holds 10 mana, +1 effects of parry; 20 mana = abbeyance of demons like undead); It was actually an apprentices item Taqwill’s mater passed on to him. It was useful when Taqwill was a scrivener in Port Towne because as seekers of knowledge, fiends were summoned all the time and the staff could be used to control the minor ones if they got free in one of the libraries.
- Lens of Mana Straining (+1 to sensing/discerning mana and mystic items); this is a headband with a monocle that comes down in front of the right eye.
- Necklace of Method Insight (+1 to power levels or checks on magi skill).
- Guardian Frog (alarm frog will watch and warn by croaking and possessor will know instantly when the area guarded is entered; possessor must spend mana); This is used at the library as a guardian to watch over the entry to the lower catacombs.
Books/Works/Collections
Sea-King lore books, drawings and tracings (seals and wards), astrological charts of unknown entities, and various treatises on unknown persons written on ancient vellum; written in ancient Yvaldeysian.
Tarly Castle Holdfast Collection
Tattered Tarly pennons adorn the wall, of a half dozen undead lords of the fallen north – banners of fallen foes.
- A historical work which outlines the histories of some of the tribes in the north and migrations of humans west, fleeing from the lich lords initial armies.
- An encyclopedic collection of books regarding plants from the north.
- An illustrated guide to pine tribe tattoos – written in Feyloise.
- A hand written set of thin parchment pages with crude maps and notes. Basically a catalog of their journey criss-crossing the northlands shown visually.
- A guide to weather patterns and a log book of weather changes for 8 years in the north from about CY 8800.
- A set of finance sheets and building records of the area around and of Tarly Castle itself. It totals nearly a million silver.
- Pottery journals from Oerdney CY 8814
- Detailed plans to the barracks/hunting lodge of the Tarly family – it appears that this is how the castle initially started and that there may be a hidden cellar underneath it.
- The Wendel Tarly Adventure Archives: A partial written history. It’s 14 volumes of different ages and penned by different hands. The last set of 2 volumes is the years after they came back from the north – penned in what seems to be a woman named Alex – wife of Darnell Vaille. It speaks of the death of Moorlav’s elven wife-to-be, the death of Moorlav and Hirva, and the return of Hirva (revenant!); of a falling out, of Wendels increased distrust, and isolation. It’s worth 1000sc to any collector – it’s a fascinating tale. Buried deep within it may be secrets that the GM can use to spur the party to go north or elsewhere in search of adventure. Certainly there is a volume on the subject of the ice statue – all the experiments upon captives and the range of negative effects that were seen. It came from a graveyard temple they desecrated in the frozen north – including some strange descriptions of some sort of large plant which drains blood and gives birth to the dead. The statue was raided to stop an attack on one of the fortress towers of the north – it was the source of some energy for the strange plant, and the Pine Tribe shamans told the group that it may bring down a terrible curse if they destroy it. It also reveals the damage done in moving it and how fragile it is.
- Teerlink the Lich’s Records: Encrypted notes of Lich Teerlink on zoology and anatomy (found the cipher!) – Scattered about the entire complex area moldy straw (to soak up water), rags (bedsheets and such to soak up water), and pages of works. The pages are written in an unknown language, and drawings of strange things. These pages mean nothing to someone without anatomy/medical knowledge and at least a magic aptitude of 1. The pages are notes about dissection and necromantic arts. Most of them are too dirty or ruined to offer much knowledge, but a character with encryption can arrange them meaningfully, study them, and gain enough knowledge to offset any Medical: Aid or treatment penalties by 1.
[ i ] > If so, they get a Medical: Aid check to realize the drawings are all of body systems. IF the character has zoology, they will know it is of many different animals.
Teerlink’s Library
- THE FOLLOWING IS WRITTEN IN YVALDESEAN/Sea King (untranslated as of yet): from the Lich Teerlink’s library: a large volume set of Lore: Dunstrand (level 4 = +1 checks as a reference library for most of the characters)
- The Lich Teerlink’s personal notes – history, fate of apprentice Derwin, the killing of children and their spirits. Meditation trance treatise: (RSN > 4) treatise from Teerlink’s library
- Local maps of Teerlink village (old – from when mage’s tower was still there)
Lores and Languages of Human Lands Outside of Dunstrand
- Lore: Sea-King (ancient lore + 2 CS)
- Lore – North Merchant Cities (novice +1)
- Lore: Umbak (ancient lore + 1 CS)
Lores of Bar-Innis and Dunstrand
- Lore: Bar-Innis (ancient lore + 2 CS) Character can gain up to Level 2
- Lore: Dunstrand (ancient lore + 1 CS) Character can gain level 1
- Lore: Geography + 1 CS (maps and roads of Lands of bronze, Dunstrand and heartlands – Character can gain Geography 1? Familiarity?
Lores and Languages of Elves and Faerie
- Lore: Elvish History (novice; +1) Can gain Lore: Elves Level 1
- 2 ancient books dealing with Nuir Woods area before the “Vale” of Dunstrand was settled – taken from Malek priestess. Taelin read, needs more time to absorb
Lores and Languages of the Ducateon
COPPER SCROLL HIDDEN: Copper Scroll written in Dukat. Found under the throne in the church of Malek by the Band of Crows; Taqwill did not want to turn this over.
[Book] Ducateon Primer (Gladnorean-to-Ducateon literary translation/learning guide @ level 1)Other Languages and Lores
TRUNK of ANNALS (locked; -1 CS) – always kept next to bed – 18 books of the past annals of Band of Crows/Brave Companions/Gide’s Gallants/The Gallants/The Gallantine Order of Dunstrand
ORIGINAL PROCLIMATION: Dame Mary Rellian is the Lady of Dogwood Flats, the Gallantine Academy and the Gallantine Order.
- [Book] Draconis Primer (Gladnorean-to-Draconis literary translation/learning guide @ level 1)
- Wind Song: Teach the first level of speaking the language of air elementals (2 CP)
- Celestine Script primer (+ 1 CS to deciphering and learning level 1 – but self teaching requires a RSN of 5 and Lore: Religious of 1)… this is incredibly rare, taken from the temple of K’rendi in the far southern jungles by Sandovhal.
- [Book] Rudimentary Vezpr (“Fundamental sounds, patterns and concepts in dealing with entities of the Shadow Realms as taught by Sira Sarkumnar of Ados”) written in Gladnorean (primer @ level 1; requires 6 SAN to self-teach)
- Perspectives on Leadership by Sustreynus Gim (9164)
- Culahey Again – Dream Sending of Helca by Sustreynus Gim (9164)
- Botany reference works + 1 CS for those researching with skill less than 5 – Character can gain up to level 4
- Letter of gratitude from the Council of Lowlanders to The Band of Crows for defeating the troll
- A copy of the banner-man’s oath to the Earl of Bar-Innis from CY 9135
Magic and Occult
- Sorcerous Treatise: (+ 2 to learn) Curling Flash, Distant Voice, Watery Lungs
- Sorcerous Treatise: (+ 2 to learn) Collapsing Knives
- Scroll of 2 spells: untranslated (sea-king tongue), but they are inscription art – Locate the Weave (translated by books) and Searing Dart @10th [Storage Type: , Location: ,Container:]
- From Geri – Old parchment written in Orrish (Mist Form)
- [Adept] Scroll copy of Fog of Distortion: This creates rippling waves which distort position and visage, in a 1m x ALU cube area. Those caught in it must make a RCT to get out before breathing; anyone caught in or entering thereafter must make a WPR check or are affected. All attacks are at -1 CS; PER check or hits unintended target. – from Baron Wheglin’s family library]
Divine and Religious
Lore: Religious + 1 CS – can gain Level 1
Lore: History of church of Malek + 1 CS
Lore: Theology + 1 CS (older practices, trappings, and myth variations) Level 2, familiarity with older practices?
Scroll: A cleric scroll with a spell which charms fire – but it’s above my understanding and it requires some special prayers and adherence to Merkaine’s rituals… . [Storage Type: , Location: ,Container:]
Oil-skin waterproof packet with [encrypted] journal of notes with some crude drawings – taken from priestess of Malek.
Items from Under Tarly Castle
A huge tapestry with Aerna and Whelm (wall covering from Tarly Castle) w/2 ruby eyes @ 400 each
A massive white polar bear skin covers the floor (4m length)
An ancient copy of an early Lightbringers “Dawn Star of Etrius” that includes a lost Hymn to Balthazaar (blessings each if they return it to the church, or blessings from Everdark for destroying it or keeping it away)
Box with Glorianna Tarly’s cursed (ghoul) wedding ring; 6000 silver crowns
– Ring now gone, Geri re-fashioned and gave to Feather
tongue of the witch Ingris Valwyk (for sorcerers tongue spell component)
Darkvein – in Ducateon cavern outside of Richfield (saveed location on map for return later)
Map of North (related to the ‘Tapestry of Exiles’)
Weapons and Trophies/Hero’s Reliquary
In the old church reliquary of the west wing, Sandovhal Aelishan built a museum of artifacts and trophies from their travels. These are mostly mundane items that do not warrant severe protections – more like a museum. They have great historical and sentimental value.
Slim sword from duelist Plague defeated in West River Run. Decorated and worth 3x normal value.
Proclamation of friendship to The Brave Companions from the people of Braddon Bog for their defense in time of war
Geri’s periptery: monkey paw (silver)
Jim’s Sale’s spear – with a well worn grip and chipped point (broken in his last battle)
Pine tribes tomahawk take by Sandovhal from following the fake pine tribe markings that lead to the discovery of Viscount Culahey as a dark-worshiper.
Beat up old spear used by Sandovhal in defending Gatesmount from the giant two-headed creature that first earned the Earl of Bar-Innis the title of ‘Lord Protector’
Skull and partial skeleton of 50 foot snake that used to be the ‘pet’ of the witch of Dwindor Swamp
The slim sword (fine – 3x value) from the court dandy in Richfield who challenged Plague (who had no armor and his fathers sword, the Vynt Family Blade) to a duel. Through skill and the blessings of the Fallen Celestial of Braddon Bog, Plague was victorious without receiving a scratch! The Fame of The Gallants is increased.
From Stillmein – short spear (8+1 damage, 3 AM – can be thrown). Decorated/Expensive – gift from Baron Wheglin)
From Silvas: Slim Sword: 11 Dam, Swift, 4 AM, RCT3, STR 4, 17 enc.
From Taer: Pine Ax (-1 Mus/crd, 4AM 10 base damage, KB)
From Rictor: “Fetish”: The only thing of note from his old life is the twin-pronged horn “dagger” he carved from the head of one of the hybrid horde creatures. Its a particularly nasty bit of business – against an unarmored foe it leaves a vicious and bloody wound. DMG Base 4 / 2 AM / ENC 7 +1 overall and 1 point aggravated per round. It gets no ease bonus
From Cage Jeweled/Ceremonial Knife: [Fine] (2AM/4 Base Dmg/Sharpness of Blade/ + 2CS Ease: ENC= 4/[Gifted by Baron Robert Wheglin of Osmail Mark/400silvers]
From Erin/Aaron: Knife of Ogre slaying:2 AM / Damage 3; Caught in powerful sentient magic staff explosion (imbues weapons with Aura 2), durable and double HP as long as they are wielded by tied owner, favored prey: Ogres (+1); Ego Drain (any powers activated by essence cost double!) – Trying to put aside the blade to triggers essence powers will result in a battle of wills. Sacrifice?
From the undead agent Bittermaw
The Tomes of Bittermaw were taken and kept secure by Atreus. Krespar Dubrov was asked to steal them by Feather on their way back to The Saelish, where Areeus was going to give them over to the Saelish Elders.
Feather is taking them to the Companions Library. These facts are journaled by Feather in a confession.
Chronicle of the Companions Library
Information Sources: Mundane Reference | Associated Phenomenology Only | Specific Lore
Pervasive Knowledge / Very Easy Difficulty
This library is 4000 years old – dating back to around CY 5000. found under the church during excavations after the Troll Terror of the Lowlands incident. The old church of Aerna has been converted into a library. The naive and main areas have all been converted into a reception and study. The original books found beneath the old Church of Light by the Band of Crows have all been indexed in Port Towne and copied. It is the originals which sit here. The ‘altar of sacrifice’ for Aerna has been broken and converted into a great hall’s fireplace to keep the entire main floor warm. A lot of recent mortar work seals the cracks and holes that thousands of years has created.
The library was once the church of Aerna in Braddon Bog and it stood on this location as long as anyone can remember. On the outside, it appears to be on the verge of collapse. The repairs are obvious, and it seems to always be springing new cracks and leaks. That aside, the foundations seem steady and the inside, while perpetually (and strangely) cold, is dry and kept clean.
Common Knowledge / Easy Difficulty
The majority of the library is taken up by research cubes for those who come to peruse the ancient manuscripts. There are eight of them, and any research or copying is overseen by staff directly due to the advanced stage of deterioration of the manuscripts. The rest of the facility is filled with preservation efforts and linguistic studies. Many of the volumes are written in dead dialects and there is an effort going on by another branch to study and preserve these works. Visitors are welcome to stay at the rebuilt Inn or the common room of Farold’s Conquest – the local tavern.
Farold’s Conquest This is the now famous tavern, established around CY 9144. It is a hub for story telling and those who seek fine drink and eat when visiting the Companions Library at Braddon Bog in the Lowlands of the earldom of Bar-Innis. Security is overseen by the Gallantine Order, to ensure that no “loose lips” occurs from the library’s visitors. It is named after the famous member of the Brave Companions, Farold Oshman. The sign of the establishment of Farold’s Conquest is a picture of the renowned shield of the realm, Farold’s Wall.
Uncommon Knowledge / Average Difficulty
The Brave Companions bought it from the Lightbringers in its poor shape as the Lightbringers were going to be moving onto new land they had bought. the library was founded because the Brave Companions really needed a place to keep their spoils of war. However, it soon became apparent that the ancient building was more than it appeared – fixes to it crumbled within a year, it was constant. Its as if it is intended to look unassuming and run-down.
Scarce Knowledge / Hard Difficulty
Geraldine Aelishan: 9160’s made a full catalog of ALL materials in the library. She also wrote a journal of the process to clean and rebuild the interior into something more commercial – from her conversations with Taqwill. Within this is a cypher – an encoded inventory and explanation (with appropriate warnings) of all the content of the “Forbidden Knowledge” in the catacombs under the library itself.
An unknown source has delivered the Tomes of Bittermaw to the Companion Library. It is unknown if they copied any of them. The chest is filthy and covered in dirt. It is sent with a warning and the whole thing taken to the catacombs for safety. It is merely marked “A gift for Feather”.
Rare Knowledge / Very Hard Difficulty
Geri sent one copy of the Taqwill Cipher to Jack Falkrik in Port Towne – knowing his companions would hold onto it for him (her) – this copy would eventually make its way to Mary and to Geri’s daughter Feather. The other she sent to the Blood Hawk Inn in Richfield, to be given to the apothecary Aman Fazeel if he ever shows his face again. After not being picked up by Fazeel, it was incinerated.
Few Gallants know of the Ancient Temple of Malek that lies beneath the Ancient temple of Aerna.