The Library of Breiamhbéo

Soon after Breiamhbéo’s proper founding as a city and before its inevitable expansion into East Gathran, or the Eastern Empire, mayor Aureanas, the future Empress Aureanas the First, ordered the construction of a Library to preserve the Gathrani fortress’s archives, thoughtlessly abandoned by the retreating Leghans. As time went on Empresses and Emperors put into law that every caravan or ship leaving the city was to be accompanied by a Librarian who was to copy their destination’s histories. Thus the number of Librarians increased, as trade was, and is, Breiamhbéo’s lifeblood.

Of course the Imperial Court and the Librarians knew that these histories were edited, but by copying and studying the scrolls of different cities and nations, one would still be able to discern factual truths.

The law requiring Librarians accompany each trade caravan saw a great influx of knowledge. Eventually, one empress expanded the law, decreeing that Fiery Tales, literature, and scientific treatises were to be purchased or copied as well. Following that decree, another emperor also made into law that anyone entering the city, if they possessed books, those were to be copied as well.

Over the millennia the Library of Breiamhbéo has become synonymous with knowledge. It is said that it rivals the inscribed mountains of the Dragonlands, and that Traghnalach himself has declared it sacred. In its millennia of existence no fire has ever touched the Library; and it is here that scholars from all over the world travel to expand their knowledge.

Is it complete? No, Bloodmagic limits any Librarian’s vision, and it’s said that the gods themselves have trouble observing the happenings in areas tainted by Bloodmagic. But that may just be another rumor they started for their own amusement.