13. Library

Larger inside than out (to accommodate books from many ages and worlds). Dust and cobwebs (the Blood King hasn’t been here for a few years). Very tall bookshelves (made of hardened blood, move on rails).

12 Bookshelves

Shaped like gothic towers (spiked sides). Filled with books in many strange languages (from various worlds).

• Trap: May be identified by inspecting the opposing shelf’s sharp, bloody spikes. If unnoticed, removing a book triggers the other bookshelf to run on its rail, impaling anyone in its path. PCs must save vs breath or suffer 2d10 damage.
• Examining books: One person’s cursory examination takes 6 turns, 3 turns with 2 people, and so on. Most books are incomprehensible even with spells (which can’t reach the other worlds’ intelligence), many vampires’ diaries and mundane topics (a lot of YA vampire novels). Each bookshelf’s most significant find is listed below. Whenever a search is completed, roll 1d6. 1. A book detailing the ritual for removing a vampire’s heart from their body, providing immunity to stakes and even fire. Notes indicate the Blood King might have used this (1,000gp, 10,000gp to a vampire). 2. A treatise by a vampire medic on fresh blood’s uses treating many conditions (500gp). 3. A young vampire’s diary, detailing a dream about his lost mother accompanied by sketches resembling Lenice Albathea (Area 8). 4. A lost god’s hollowed-out holy book. Inside is a vial with 3 doses of Living Blood monster antidote (immediately fatal). 5. A collector’s edition young adult novel decorated with gems and gold. The book isn’t worth much, but the extracted gems and gold total 1,500gp. 6. A spell book containing the following: dispel magic, hold person, protection from normal missiles, charm monster, polymorph self and wizard eye. Each use drains 1d4hp.

Webs

Sticky, red, thick webs (spun from blood by gigantic spiders). Thicker cluster (in the southeast corner).

• If the southeast corner’s webs are cleared: Reveals a loose floor tile covering a rough hewn tunnel descending into the darkness below (to Area 18). Blocked with thicker webs.