Where do you think is the most amazing library in all of Golarion?
Tephu has a pretty sweet one, doubt it's THE best, but then that's subjective. :-)
My house.
Best is somewhat subjective.
But I would bet there is a least one in Absalom that is competitive with any others you might find, as it is the biggest city on Golarion.
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The largest is Forae Logos in Absalom, but there are others that come close in size and scope throughout the Inner Sea region, especially in cities that host large spellcasting populations or that contain major arcane universities.
Any metropolis in the region, especially those in Garund, are likely to have libraries of a size that would rival Absalom's, especially Sothis, Nantambu, Quantium, and Azir. The dwarven and elven libraries in the Five Kings Mountains and Kyonin, respectively, are likely more complete in the histories and lore of their specific races, but other than in Caliphas, you're not going to find a ton of major libraries north of Lake Encarthan. The largest libraries in Avistan are in the capitals of the nations bordering the Inner Sea itself, including Katheer, Oppara, Almas, and Egorian.
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Beyond the Inner Sea region, you've got entire continents that have libraries that would rival and perhaps even surpass Forae Logos, especially in Goka and in the heart of Kelesh. We haven't detailed these parts of the world extensively, so I don't have more information on libraries specifically in any of them, however. You may want to look into the legendary Abadaran sorcerer Hao Jin, from Goka, who set a goal of creating the single most complete collection of wonders in the multiverse behind the First Vault itself. While much of this collection is housed within the demiplane known as the Hao Jin Tapestry, it also would have included an immense collection of books, which she could easily house either in Goka, elsewhere in Tian Xia, or in her demiplane, which is now under the Pathfinder Society's control.
Sorry, you set me off on a canon fugue. I think that's it about libraries for now.
Mark, how does the Great Library of Tephu compare to the other libraries on your list? It's stated to be a library which scholars from throughout the Inner Sea travel to, and seems to be denoted as something special.
Great answers. Thanks, folks!
How about the forgotten library of Jorgenfist(sp?), assuming you can gain entry?
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Ultimately, most libraries we've named, and especially ones we've based adventures around/in, would qualify as very robust collections. The library in Jorgenfist is an excellent example of a library on a specific, esoteric topic but that might not be the best place to go research the lineage of a prominent Taldan noble house. In the end, most libraries provide very similar mechanical bonuses on Knowledge skill checks. See more on specific libraries and research in Ultimate Intrigue; Pathfinder Campaign Setting: Inner Sea Intrigue includes a section on specific libraries in the Inner Sea region for use with the same subsystem.
The Sarzari Library in the Crimson Citadel is likely very impressive and arguably the best-guarded library in current canon.
-TimD
Ultimately, most libraries we've named, and especially ones we've based adventures around/in, would qualify as very robust collections. The library in Jorgenfist is an excellent example of a library on a specific, esoteric topic but that might not be the best place to go research the lineage of a prominent Taldan noble house. In the end, most libraries provide very similar mechanical bonuses on Knowledge skill checks. See more on specific libraries and research in Ultimate Intrigue; Pathfinder Campaign Setting: Inner Sea Intrigue includes a section on specific libraries in the Inner Sea region for use with the same subsystem.
Interesting! Thanks, I just got that book in the Humble Bundle, I'll look that up.
You mentioned libraries above the Lake Encarthan. I'd think that the Technic League might have a decent library in Starfall. Any thoughts on that?
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You mentioned libraries above the Lake Encarthan. I'd think that the Technic League might have a decent library in Starfall. Any thoughts on that?
They probably have one of the best libraries on technology, but it's not going to be very easy to gain access to. Kellids, Ulfen, Varisians, and Shoanti (who comprise most of the population north of Lake Encarthan) all have strong oral traditions, so they aren't known for making stationary libraries. While some certainly exist, they're not as well known or extensive as those in non-nomadic cultures or which have more of a tradition of written histories than oral ones.
You mentioned libraries above the Lake Encarthan. I'd think that the Technic League might have a decent library in Starfall. Any thoughts on that?They probably have one of the best libraries on technology, but it's not going to be very easy to gain access to. Kellids, Ulfen, Varisians, and Shoanti (who comprise most of the population north of Lake Encarthan) all have strong oral traditions, so they aren't known for making stationary libraries. While some certainly exist, they're not as well known or extensive as those in non-nomadic cultures or which have more of a tradition of written histories than oral ones.
Gotcha. Great responses, Mark. Thank you for the thoughtful answers.
I'm running a Kingmaker campaign using Burning Wheel and while it is far from by-the-book it is fun to hear how Orthodox Golarion looks so I can riff off of that.
Thanks again!
https://githyankidiaspora.wordpress.com/2015/01/22/traditions-of-the-swordl ords-book-1/