Location The Raven's Perch

[Gossamer]

Why is a raven like a writing desk? Known as the ‘scholar’s lounge’, the Raven’s Perch is located on the third tier of the city, in a small, long building set somewhat apart from its neighbors. It gets its name from a raven inscribed on the door, over the famous riddle. The area is a quiet one, and the ambience is dominated mostly by the ebb and flow of the nearby beach, as well as the constant murmur debating minds. It gets drafty in the winter and sweltering in the summer, but the peace and atmosphere of scholarly pursuit make it an ideal cluster point for Riverfall’s intellectual elite. The main room is long and narrow, and enclosed in locked bookshelves containing an enormous span of books. They are not allowed to be removed from the establishment, but it’s mostly based on an honor system. The subjects vary wildly, but if one is a novice to any particular subject, it is suggested they read up at the library before attempting any of the Perch’s selection. Books are selected based on their rarity and advanced subjects, contributing to a sense of elitism among the inhabitants. To be able to honestly read one of the Perch’s books and not only be able to learn from it, but even know it’s contents already, is a source of pride. The windows are high, offering plenty of light, but not much view to the outside. Plenty of lamps and lanterns are scattered throughout the room, to reduce eye strain while reading. The rugs are old, but intricate, a gift from a former denizen who went on to earn his fortune with the knowledge he gained there. Likewise, the intricate drawings on the wall were made by a former scholar who organized his thoughts easier when drawing, and knew T’kana wanted some decoration around anyway. Every few years, a painter is hired to come touch them up. There are both plush armchairs and hard wooden ones, to accommodate even the sorest of backs from being hunched over a book for hours on end.   NPCs Name: T’kana Vylisa Race: Konti DoB: 2nd of Winter 390AV (Age 122) PoB: Mura Title: Owner Skills: Organization 82, Philosophy 50, Anthropology 45, Copying 41, Weapon: Suvai 30 Gnosis: 1 Avalis Additional Info: A quiet woman who prefers not to speak much, few in Riverfall know of her, and almost none know more than the few details she’s chosen to reveal about herself. She was born on Mura, and traveled to Riverfall in search of a mate. She’s borne three children by her husband, all of whom occasionally visit the Perch. Her fascination with books and learning the odds and ends of everything began shortly after she arrived in Riverfall. After a fantastically dull stint working in the Riverfall library, she opened the Raven’s Perch at the suggestion of her husband, opening up her budding collection of books to the public. Public donations and grants from the Council have allowed her to expand the Perch’s selection into what it is today. Any who frequent the Perch know to watch the subtleties of her actions, as she is very non-confrontational, but also very protective of her books. Her Konti gift is very specific, and allows her to see if someone actively wants to steal from her, which she takes advantage of by requiring her books be unlocked by her alone. On the rare occasion she encounters such an unscrupulous character, she makes up an excuse for not being able to get the book – such as needing to be cleaned, or the key not working. This is such a rare occasion that anyone around will immediately take notice and the person in question will be subtly shamed into leaving.   Rules and Fees Fees Entry Fee: 5sm/day Overnight Fee: 20gm Book Replacement: Variable, depending on book value Rules All books are behind locked gates, which must be unlocked by T’kana. The most trusted of trusted regulars may be bestowed a key of their own, to get books for themselves – no one else. While the Perch closes at the 3rd bell after sundown, for a fee of 20gm, you may have access to the books all night. No food or drink in the Perch, no exceptions. If you damage a book, you must buy it. To this end, there is an informal ban on ink around the books – instead charcoal or pencils are encouraged. Don’t bother T’kana with questions about whatever it is you’re learning. She probably does know the answer, but encourages learning on your own. If you are denied a book for any reason, just leave and save everyone the trouble of openly calling out your dishonest intentions.   Employment T’kana would always like to be able to spend more time reading than running around unlocking cabinets, but any employee would have to earn her trust before she’d allow them to hold a key. Assistant (putting away books, unlocking the cabinets, cleaning, etc…) Requires Leadership or Organization skills – 3gm/day *Credit to Rosela