The Library is in shambles. All books are overturned, scattered on tables, or jumbled in large piles on the floor. The previously well-organized sections now serve only as a rough idea of what might have once been where. Charred areas on the stone floor suggest more than one bonfire and book burning occurred in this room, with entire sections of the library gone entirely. As a result of these burnings, the floor is littered with ash and even the shelves and other furniture seem covered with it.
All banners are torn or ripped down. The majority of the shelves are broken and some are burned, serving as a reminder that knowledge will do nothing to help the alleged heroes. As if to emphasize this fact, a grand tapestry of the royal lineage of Tu Vishan -- previously hidden behind a great bookshelf -- is scratched with small and repetitive motions to remove any trace of a face or name that it once displayed. Looking closely, characters can see the message “false leader” carved over the most recent descendant’s visage.
Tucked in what may once have been a cozy area in the library remains an imposing fireplace. The welcoming corner now seems cold and dark, like most other corners of the Palace. Somehow, the area seems to be suffering from not enough light, although the placement of the windows should provide plenty.
The fireplace itself is filled with fire and ash, the whole hearth is charred black with only vague remnants of books, furs, and furniture in its wake. The area smells of smoke and something grotesque but difficult to place -- only those familiar with the scent of burned flesh might recognize the scent. If characters examine the area closely, they may find a trio of loose stones that, when pressed together, will pop loose a section of the bookcase beside the fireplace to reveal a secret passage. This passage leads to the Ritual Chamber.
LIBRARY - [content warning: extremely vague death/torture references]
All banners are torn or ripped down. The majority of the shelves are broken and some are burned, serving as a reminder that knowledge will do nothing to help the alleged heroes. As if to emphasize this fact, a grand tapestry of the royal lineage of Tu Vishan -- previously hidden behind a great bookshelf -- is scratched with small and repetitive motions to remove any trace of a face or name that it once displayed. Looking closely, characters can see the message “false leader” carved over the most recent descendant’s visage.
Tucked in what may once have been a cozy area in the library remains an imposing fireplace. The welcoming corner now seems cold and dark, like most other corners of the Palace. Somehow, the area seems to be suffering from not enough light, although the placement of the windows should provide plenty.
The fireplace itself is filled with fire and ash, the whole hearth is charred black with only vague remnants of books, furs, and furniture in its wake. The area smells of smoke and something grotesque but difficult to place -- only those familiar with the scent of burned flesh might recognize the scent. If characters examine the area closely, they may find a trio of loose stones that, when pressed together, will pop loose a section of the bookcase beside the fireplace to reveal a secret passage. This passage leads to the Ritual Chamber.