Great Library

All knowledge must be remembered, lest we repeat the mistakes of the past. Magical knowledge, especially, and its dangerous secrets most of all.   Only by retaining this knowledge can we ever hope to defend ourselves against it should it be rediscovered by someone less scrupulous.

— excerpt, Charter of The Order of Librarians

  The Great Library houses the full collection of all research and experimentation performed by the Goldaming Family, as well as information collected by them from other sources. Records are carefully organized by topic and referenced by the names of those involved in the efforts to discover or acquire the knowledge enclosed. Catalog Divinators are available to assist those who cannot cast the necessary spells to navigate the Library catalog themselves.   Items detailing all available information and experimentation into banned topics are also available in restricted categories, defended by the specially trained Librarians. This information is accessible only to those with appropriate qualifications to review the information contained, and only permitted for viewing after a series of petitions approved by the Council of Elders and other applicable interest groups. The Goldamings believe that magical information that was once known should never be entirely forgotten, but does strive to limit the availability of that knowledge in an effort to prevent further mishaps with its misuse.

I never felt so insignificant, and yet so powerful, as the first time I set foot in that library. I still feel it, every time.

— awed student

  The building itself is imposing, a beautiful blend of traditional architecture and magical construction resulting in a subconscious feeling that the building can move of its own volition, although none have observed any movement aside from officially sanctioned expansions despite multiple thorough studies.  

Library Interior

The building inside is multi-tiered, with each level focusing on a different classification of magic. The lower level is reserved for study and several private warded rooms are available for experimentation into spells detailed within the tomes. The remaining levels spiral upward around the periphery of the building, each with their own set of tables for study and review. Traditional stairs are available along the outer walls and powered levitation stones are readily found throughout the center of the lower level, although many Goldamings prefer to use their own skills to access the tomes, either levitating themselves to the books or recalling the books down to their research tables. All books and notes are available for handling regardless of their age courtesy of powerful preservation spellwork acquired by Paitr Goldaming in his studies.  

The Basement

Unlawful topics and tomes reside deep below the library in the Basement, a vault warded against theft and intrusion with powerful antimagic runecraft and guarded constantly by The Librarians. The records are brought individually, by hand, to a dedicated research room and removed immediately upon the recipient's completion of their studies. Copying the information contained within is expressly prohibited, with strong wards in place to enforce the rule, although many of the restricted spells may be cast within the research room provided the appropriate paperwork has been completed and approved.  

I had the good fortune to hold an approved research grant to study Tyrellium Crystalization. We were working on improved circuitry, nothing dangerous, but needed to check some of the early notes, to make sure we didn't repeat any of the inventor's mistakes, like how he...   Er, never mind.   But the Librarians! They don't let you out of their sight, even for a moment. I felt her staring at me the whole time I was working in that Basement. I had full permission for testing in that research room. And my research was fairly mundane! I mean, aside from the journal's frequent references to...   Ahem.   Anyway, really makes me wonder at the secrets they keep down there.

— magic scientist, to a friend