Kreighton Shane is no artist (even less so when he is angry), but he can give a rough layout of the place. The main level is basically just this reading room antechamber, and the huge open book depository that is the chamber to the east.
I am not going to draw just one big room for you." he says tartly.
There is a mezzanine area near the back wall with more books on it. The spiral metal stair that leads up to it also corkscrews down to a sub basement.
It too, is full of books, shelves and very narrow walkways in-between. This level is shaped like a Desnan butterfly which he draws a rough outline of, and contains some specific, closed-door, storage areas which he will note on his rough map.
"And that's it."
"winner", is this a challenge of some kind? A contest? Is there a known critic of this place? Who would be likely to trap this place as such? Rectitude loses himself in the memories of his past lives for a moment.
"That fragment is maybe centuries old. Whatever contest is described on it is long past winning."
Tofang is still slightly confused.
"What kind of strange challenge. My knowledge is extensive so I will surely be able to help but ... well, I will help. Where do we start?"
In a gesture reminiscent of Gwendolyn's from earlier, Shaine points to the eastern doors with the puddles in front of them and says "Start there. I have a lot of organizing to do."
This spacious library is a damp catastrophe. Lit by magical torchlight, a lake of dark water clogged with books, scroll cases, and a few overturned shelves obscures the floor. Steps descend into the brine from the western doors, while at the east end of the room a spiral staircase rises from the water to a mezzanine above. The same metal staircase must descend into a basement below as well, for the water there burbles downward in a dark, lazy whirlpool.
Overhead, the vaulted ceiling starts out at about 20' high near at the walls and reaches about 35' at its apex. Across ceilings, and around the pillars, and walls chipped, and faded murals feature elaborate patterns interweaving moons, stars, and butterflies.
"Come my little duckling. I would share a private moment alone with you." Zarta says to Kolris.
She shrugs and smiles before continuing. “That said, I know that there is more than junk beyond those doors. I’ve heard that someone squirreled away a copy of The Darklands Precepts somewhere in there, and it’s far too dangerous a tome to leave lying about. Get it out of there and return it to me, no matter what excuse Shaine might make to toss it back in the pile.”
"Don't be silly. What wizard librarian memorizes such spells without need? I'm not an undine you know." snaps the Master of Scrolls, but then suddenly brightens. "That said, there is a short lip around the stairs leading down, so perhaps the lower vaults have been saved some of the damage."
Rectitude looks out over the water and debris. He uses his telekinetic powers to move some books to the "shore", saving what he can.
"Had you been here earlier, Rectitude, you would know that that is precisely what I am asking you to find out. Now, I am off. Perhaps to prepare an underwater breathing spell. Grrr."
"Good luck." Zarta says exiting as well after tossing a kiss and a wink to Kolris.
Rectitude looks over the water and raised shelving. I suppose we can swim over to the shelves and jump across them to stay dryer....
Off the southern edge of the mezzanine flows a beautiful waterfall while just to the side of it and the stairwell a curious vessel bobs into view--or rather it would be curious if this weren't a library. The vessel--an overturned book shelf--is crewed by a pair of small humanoid creatures with leaf-like wings, and traceries of creeping vines seemingly growing from their bodies. While their small bodies are similar, their heads are not. One has the head of an owl, while the other has the head of an albatross. Both stand on opposite edges of their makeshift boat with their little fishing spears readied. Suddenly one thrusts his spear into the water, and pulls up a bit of soggy papyrus.
I suppose it's not much of a swim for most of us. Although there's no telling what the water may hold. Rectitude is reticent to lead the charge but is willing to follow.
"Owl! Look what I caught!" shouts one.
"Albatross! That one was mine, and you know it!" grouses the other.
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"Good luck." Zarta says exiting as well after tossing a kiss and a wink to Kolris.
Kolris lift an eye, looking downright confused by this kind of attention. He shakes his head and follows the others into the main library room, tapping himself with a wand before entering.
He chuckles when he sees the small creatures. "Gathlains," he begins, stoically describing the creatures, as if reading a text. "Fey creatures; from the First World, obviously. Those leaf-wings allow them to fly. Mischievous, capricious, and discordant, even for fey." He gives a glance over at Jezu. "It's said that even gnomes find them to be a bit extra."
He calls out to the creatures from where he stands. "Hey-o! I don't suppose we could convince you to help us collect these manuscripts, could we? It'll be boring, and we weren't given anything to offer in reward."
Lower, to the others, he finishes his description. "Oh, yeah. They can do little minor magicks, fey stuff, you know. Keep an eye out, 'cause I was definitely not persuasive."
He chuckles when he sees the small creatures. "Gathlains," he begins, stoically describing the creatures, as if reading a text. "Fey creatures; from the First World, obviously. Those leaf-wings allow them to fly. Mischievous, capricious, and discordant, even for fey." He gives a glance over at Jezu. "It's said that even gnomes find them to be a bit extra."
"Aye? And do those pinty ears tell you that you're shouts the owl.
"I'm persuaded you're a ninny." adds Albatross helpfully.
"STOP STOMPIN' ALL AROUND!" exclaims the Owl.
they finish in unison.
Derkhan bows before the Gaithlain.
"Greetings to you, beings of the First World. You have found our library in a rather sorry state, I am afraid. I am Derkhan."
"Aye, and I'm afraid you're a Derkhan too." says the Owl. "And the place seems to be gittin sorrier all the time."
"What's a 'Derkhan'?" inquires the Albatross.
"Probably about half o' hay copper's worth." grumbles the Owl.
"Aie! Whatever you do, donae go up there!" warns the horrified Albatross.
Both small fishermen stop look at one another, and gulp. “The big sleeper.” they say in frightened unison.
"Shhh. Do you wanna get eaten? shushes the owl. He turns his head 180 degrees, and looks up at the waterfall nervously.
"I'm not exactly sure I should, considering how they've acted." says the Owl with an air of aloof indifference. At least he, and the Albatross do not seem unfriendly any more.
We would like to help with whatever is happening here. Rectitude offers.
"Go on Owl. Don't be cross. They seem nice enough."
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"Oh, alright! So Mr. Albatross, and I were out fishing one day long ago on a Toilday afternoon."
"And I was doing quite well if I do say so myself!" interjects the Albatross.
"Just whoo is telling this story, aye!?" bristles the Owl.
"Oh, you are Owl. Even though you only had an apple core, and a broken wagon wheel on the day." says Albatross.
Owl shoots him a look, and continues. "Anyhow, after some consideration I decided it best to move to deeper waters and cast our lines there. So off we went. Almost immediately I got a bite, and after a long, and terrific battle, I was finally able to reel the beast in."
Owl pauses for a moment reflecting with pride upon the memory. This goes on for quite a while until the Albatross clears his throat meaningfully.
"Where was I? Oh yes. The Sleeper. One of our lures or sinker must have awaken it from the deep. A huge monster fish as big as the sea itself came galumphing up out of the depths, and SNAP! swallowed us whole."