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Alright, as a follow up to my earlier stab at libraries in Sandpoint (http://paizo.com/threads/rzs2u415?Sandpoint-Libraries), here's a first take on libraries in Magnimar statted out with the Ultimate Intrigue research rules. Suggestions on improvement, or libraries I missed, much appreciated. A lot of what's below is conjecture, as there's only a little bit about these two institutions in the "Magnimar, City of Monuments" book.
Museum of Ages (Capital District, Building C4)
This museum, curated by esteemed scholar of Varisian history Doctor Ernst Landis (N male Chelaxian expert5/wizard5), is the largest in Magnimar and lavishly supported by public funds. It holds displays on the history, inhabitants, and culture of not just Varisia, but Golarion as well. Of particular note are three of its permanent displays: the ancient Eye of Rakzhan (a magically petrified cyclops eyes from a remote island in the Shackles), the Gemstone Regalia of King Chadris Porphyria III (held on public display here much to Korvosa’s disdain), and the Lions of Siv (two matching lions, one of red marble and the other of black). The Museum of Ages funds the region-wide expeditions of renowned explorer, treasure hunter, and Pathfinder Doctor Archisa Aparna (NG female Vudrana bard 5), who frequently lectures on ancient Varisian monuments on the occasions she is in the city.
Information On: Ancient Monuments, Famous Historical Figures, Famous Historical Events
CR: 8
XP: 4800
Complexity: 25
Languages: Common
Research Check: Knowledge: History (untrained), Knowledge (Local) [legends], Knowledge: Nobility
Knowledge Bonus: +2
KP: 24
Research Thresholds: KP: 18
KP: 12
KP: 6
KP: 0
Founder’s Archive (Capital District, Building C4)
This library, open to the public, is well-funded by the city and contains the personal archives of some of Magnimar’s most notable public figures, as well as the scholarly output of generations of historians and researchers of the arcane, occult, and divine. The premier library in western Varisia, the Founder’s Archive is run with an iron fist by the stern, half-Shoanti/half-Varisian Madam Irba Demerios (LN female expert 8). Madam Demerios holds the only key to the library’s Forbidden Collection.
Information on: Magic (all types), the Planes, Politics, Government, Foreign Policy, Dark Secrets*
CR: 15
XP: 51,200
Complexity: 41
Languages: Common
Research Check: Knowledge: Arcana, Knowledge: The Planes, Knowledge: Local, Knowledge: History, Diplomacy
Knowledge Bonus: +4
KP: 45
Research Thresholds: KP: 36
KP: 27
KP: 18
KP: 9
KP: 0
*Dark Secrets can only be researched if access is gained to the Forbidden Collection. Treat Madam Demerios as Hostile during any requests for access to this area, and add: Secret Chambers & Encounters (p. 151 of Ultimate Intrigue).
Nice work, Jhaeman.
For sure the Stone of the Seekers (arcanists’ school; specializes in abjuration and divination magic on Keystone District), the Ravenfoot Corner (small school for alchemists and apothecaries on Beacon's Point), the School of the Four Winds (monastic academy dedicated to the natural world on Capital District) and the Heidmarch Manor (Pathfinder lodge on Alabaster Discrict) must have some sort of libraries too.