The Library of the Arcane

"Only those wise to the past may forge the future" ~Spartakick

Interior of the Library of the Arcane

Description

The House of the Arcane is known as the Library. Over the thousands of years, a great colony of knowledge has grown in their towers and labyrinthian libraries. The Arcane are masters of magic, summoning, and other mystical arts. They derive their skill from an incredible underground archive of books, scrolls, and other materials known only to them. Hence, rivals refer to them as “The Librarians” - a supposed insult that the House takes pride in. No one, not even the Emperor, has amassed as much scholarship about the secret workings of the universe. Knowledge can undo an Empire, they are fond of saying.

Flaws

Their lust for the Arcane has led them into corruption and paranoia. The Librarians do not trust outsiders. They do not regard non-mages as being worthy of their time. And perhaps their isolation is not just bad manners– for rumors tell us the Librarians often seek knowledge where it should not be sought. Their methods can often be disturbing.

Legend of the House's Founding:

Long ago, a medicine man and his son were exploring a dark cave. The boy slipped and fell down a deep shaft, into the bowels of the Earth. The man rushed down to rescue him, but when he found the spot, his son had vanished. On the walls of the shaft were written words which he tried to decipher. As he struggled to translate the strange script, an energy emerged, which he called the Arcane. And when he began to master and channel it, he taught his methods to others. “But his clan feared this new power. They had questions. Where was his son? Who had written the words? He said their concerns were petty. So they exiled him and burned his scrolls. Thereafter, he hid his learnings in that dark cave, away from those who did not understand.

Divine Cycle

• Death dominates Arcane
• Arcane defies the rules of life.

Lore Spotlight:

• Arcane Essence has a "bookish pallor" to Inquisitors.
• The Librarians of the Arcane find the House of Life simplistic and contemptible.
• Jun believes that "The Library of the Arcane were by far the most arrogant House, believing themselves to be above the mundane concerns of Massina." This was evidenced by their desire willingness to defy the Emperor's orders.
• The House of the Arcane is also a centre of daily worship.
• In The Book Return, Tinaris uses arcane magic to enthrall Loxio into submission (as confirmed by Icetoad on the Champions Ascension discord.)