Librarians of Sarth

Librarians of Sarth

Diety	Ishap, God of Knowledge
Domains	Healing, Knowledge, Law, Rune, Strength
Races	Any (Humans)
Classes	Any (Clerics)
Alignments	Lawful Neutral
Holy Days	Traditional
Place of Worship	Scriptorium of Ishap
Holy Symbol	A Book
High Priest	Drew, Master Librarian
Major Temple	Library at Sarth

The Librarians of Sarth are the ultimate caretakers of the knowledge of the races of the Realm. While many in the Order are librarians, scribes, and illuminators, a number of Librarians of Sarth are adventurers - roaming the Realm seeking new knowledge and tomes of legends and lore. These adventurers often put themselves in mortal danger to gain a tome that will further the cause. Single-minded in their task, the Librarians of Sarth share the knowledge of their brethren and a curiosity for that which is unknown.

Those wishing to follow the calling of the Librarians of Sarth should seek the council of Drew, Master Librarian in the Scriptorium of Ishap in Teufeldorf.

The Legend of Ishap

The Library of Sarth is the oldest known building in the Realm, predating even the great Dwarven halls and Elven towers. Little is known of the origins of the Library. Situated at the southern end of the Frostbrand Mountains and the eastern edge of the Evenwild, Sarth is perfectly situated between the ancestral homes of the Dwarves and Elves. In addition, the Old Kingdom of Rembia - thought to be the birthplace of Humankind is a stone-throw away to the southeast. If not for its remote location at the top of a narrow mountain valley, one could imagine life beginning behind its cloistered walls.

According to legend, the Chronicler - the most enigmatic of the Elder Gods - wandered the Realm for generations making notes on the development of the different races. Completely consumed by his studies, the natural world held little interest for him. It was in the actions of the sentient races that all his energy poured. No motive has ever been given for his insatiable curiosity - although some said that he was seeking a being willing to take over his duties as the historian of all races.

In time, the Chronicler came across a young elf who shared his propensity for pure knowledge, fact and the scientific process. This elf was named Ishap, although he has held other names over the millennium - Math being his common name in the Reaches. In his service to the Chronicler, Ishap was granted extraordinary long life - living for well over a thousand years. During this time, he was taught his craft by the Chronicler. And, if the legends are believed, Ishap discovered the great dry caverns that were to become the Library at Sarth.

In addition to being dry, the caverns in the Frostbrand Mountains, were enormous with countless rooms, corridors and passageways. Needing help, Ishap persuaded the dwarves and elves to help him with building the great library - running miles into the mountainside. Above ground, a massive scriptorium was constructed to house hundreds of monks and scribes. The magic of the Chronicler provided light throughout the complex. Dwarves worked to build thousands of bookshelves - all empty while the elves began the magical construction of vellum and sheepskin tomes - bound in leather and ensorcelled against the ravages of time.

When they were finished, the craftsmen returned to their homelands - handsomely paid in gold and gems. It was strange that their memories of the great Library faded so quickly - details forgotten, secrets lost to time. It is said that the Chronicler - his work on the Library finished - settled into a room deep in the recesses of the Library to write and read. As a final protection, he cast a series of wards to protect Sarth from any who wished it harm. The room, now long lost, is simply a myth.

Ishap, however, began the long and arduous process of building the Order - the Librarians of Sarth. For almost five thousand years, the priests of Ishap have scoured the Realm. Where written tomes are found, the Librarians bring them to Sarth to be analyzed and copied. Where no written knowledge exists, the Librarian dedicate their lives to chronicling the histories of the races of the Realm. While the mysteries of Sarth remain unsolved to those outside the Order, the Librarians can be found throughout the Realm.