In the year 574 A.C., a great king came to power in the Realm. Taking the name "Alexander Pendragon," over the course of twenty years he conquered most of what had been the America's and even extended some of his empire to the former Europe (mostly through excellent trading agreements). He was a beneficial ruler, but Pax Pendragon lasted only fifteen years. However, he left a legacy: the Library (note the capital "L").
The Library is not a single place; it is a network, or system, of institutions devoted solely to the acquisition, preservation, and presentation of knowledge. It contains all knowledge of The Realm from Alexander's time forward, which, of course, means that it contains next to no information of the pre-Catastrophe years, the Age of Technology. Some information exists, but it is made up, in a large part, of information gleaned from the Old World artifacts which still exist today. The "flashlights," which are "magical" light torches which can be turned off and on at will and never seem to fail, are examples of such items.
There is a branch of the Library in every major, and most of the minor, cities in The Realm. There is also a magical network of communication is maintained among all of the branches at all times. Therefore, if a new article or book, or anything else, is entered into the main center at University, a copy is made available to all of the branches immediately. Also, if a new item is entered into a branch, then a copy is sent to University which prepares it for distribution, so that it can be made available to all of the other branches. Of course, since space is limited in the branches, a branch must order any item it wants.
The Library is open to all citizens of The Realm. It is not a lender's library, so items can not be removed from the premises, but may be copied or purchased, if desired. A small fee, 1 s.p., must be paid to a Librarian for his necessary assistance because research is impossible without a Librarian's help.
The collection of knowledge at the Library, particularly the main center at University is amazingly complete and comprehensive. It contains scholarly essays and books on all of the flora, fauna, city-states, magic, etc. which are currently known. New information is added and old information updated continually. It is a civic duty to inform the Library of any new knowledge or changes to what is already known. For example, if someone discovered an Old World artifact that is not catalogued in the Library, he is obliged to submit an entry so that the Library can remain up to date.
The Library is maintained by the Caste of Scribes. The highest honor a Scribe can attain is to become a Librarian. They collect information, process it, and file it in a unique and complicated system. This ensures that only Librarians can easily find data and that it remains orderly and up to date.
The Library, and Librarians, are inviolate. It was established, when the Library was created, that there will be no violence or theft in the bounds of the Library or its branches. Whole towns have been sacked and razed where the Library branch has remained untouched and the Librarians alive and well.
There have been isolated, violent incidents involving a Library branch though never the center at University. In one case, in a war between two city-states, the branch of the Library was destroyed with the loser's city. In an unprecedented act of unity, a group of other city-states proceeded to raze the victor's city to the ground (after evacuating and cleaning out the Library branch). That city no longer exists today. In another incident, a thief broke into branch and stole a talisman of fire magic which was on display there. The biggest manhunt in The Realm's history ensued. The thief was caught and burned to death. These retributions have discouraged others and most of the other incidents have been minor.
The Library is a great and wonderful institution. It is a completely safe haven for those in search of knowledge. Its completeness and variety makes it very useful for adventurers and kings alike. Use it well.
Copyright © 1995 Apocrypha, All Rights Reserved.
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