The Library

An ancient Library with a mysterious history, kept by its Scribes. Visitors are advised to stay in the areas that are open to the public, as the Library is large and it is easy to get lost. At times, new doors appear where there were formerly none, or doors seem to lead to different locations than previously assumed.

If you are looking for obscure knowledge, or just a place to read in peace and quiet, the Library is the best place.

## Description

From outside, it seems impossible to estimate the Library's true size. Structures towards the front of the Library seem almost modern and barely touched by nature. Structures that are visible towards the back appear older and damaged, some overgrown by vines, some inhabited by small animals. There are tall towers and wide halls, structured of brick and wood.

### Entrance

The Library is accessible through a portal at the entrance, linked to important locations in the Overworld. Currently known locations of one of these portals are: The record room in the Mineshaft, only accessible by mods; a publicly accessible part of the Mineshaft; near the Mansion; and in Stal's house. However, more portals are located all over the world, after recent efforts of adding them.

The portal stands at the top of a small hill, an overgrown staircase leading down to the Library building. In front of the entrance is a garden, formerly taken care of by one of the Scribes who has not been seen lately.

### Public areas

The main area for guests is the **Community Center**, in which many bookshelves and a number of tables are situated. Only occasionally are the bookshelves interrupted by a variety of doors in different styles, some locked, some open to Visitors. Opposite the entrance doors is a huge, but unlit, nether portal.

Next to the community center is the **Reading Nook**. A comfortable small area with soft seating areas and a lot of pillows. For long reading sessions away from any disturbances, Visitors often gravitate towards this room.

Recently, a new area has appeared - the **Library Cafe**. Tables and chairs are scattered around and the **Kitchen** is always stocked. Visitors are advised not to take drinks and food into other rooms to make sure the books are not damaged.

## Consciousness

The Library has shown to be "alive" in some ways, beyond its every-changing layout.

When the Library first reopened its doors to new visitors, "trials" were held on a regular basis, which seemed to reveal knowledge about the Library or its inhabitants. The Scribes were not aware of their contents, but did not seem surprised the trials were happening, suggesting it was the Library's "idea". In each of them, the participants were asked questions by an unknown voice, presumed to be the Library. The knowledge participants received sometimes included fragments of the Scribes past - as the Scribes did not create the trials, it is possible that the Library can "hear" conversations taking part in it, if not the inhabitants thoughts.

The latter could be supported by other aspect of the Library as revealed by the Scribes. It is only possible to enter the Library with good intentions, attributed to a spell on the building. Further, the Scribes said they were chosen by the Library itself to be Scribes and those favored by it are able to navigate its halls more easily.

## History

### Before the ARG

Not much is known how the Library started and how it ended up almost deserted, safe for the small number of new Scribes that recently arrived. Those who do know something have not shared the knowledge at this point in time...

### During the ARG

The Library only recently opened it doors to the public. It was only when Jack wandered in the Library without invitation, surprising the Scribes, that they realized they should share their knowledge with everyone else. Starting slowly, at first only the residents of the Mineshaft were able to visit through potals being set up. Shortly after that, another portal close to the Mansion was constructed, to allow the Court easier access, as well as in Stal's house, after they asked for one in order to have easier access to books for their research. During the first months after opening the doors to the Library, Mineshaft residents and the Court would occasionally visit to chat with the Scribes and browse through their books, as well as to meet up with each other.

After first steps had been taken, the Scribes started to open up more portals to all parts of the world, trying to take their roles as keepers of the Library more seriously. Currently, the Library sees about a dozen Visitors each day.