The Stone Ward Archive
Situated beneath the city magistrate's office, this expansive basement archive serves as the primary repository for historical records, land deeds, and confiscated arcane texts. The main chamber is a large, cavernous space with rows of shelves stretching into the dim light. While the walls are lined with inset stone shelving, the center of the room features freestanding wooden units. However, the right side of the room is marked by the blackened remains of shelves that were caught in a localized fire years ago.
The Stone Ward Archive
The air is cool, dry, and carries a heavy scent of old parchment and beeswax. Footsteps echo softly against the flagstone floor, and the silence is so heavy it feels physical.
Situated beneath the city magistrate's office, this expansive basement archive serves as the primary repository for historical records, land deeds, and confiscated arcane texts. The main chamber is a large, cavernous space with rows of shelves stretching into the dim light. While the walls are lined with inset stone shelving, the center of the room features freestanding wooden units. However, the right side of the room is marked by the blackened remains of shelves that were caught in a localized fire years ago.
Meticulous, impatient with interruptions, and possesses a photographic memory for shelf locations.
History
The Restricted Collection
The locked section at the rear contains texts deemed dangerous for public consumption. To gain entry, a party must provide a letter of commendation from the magistrate or succeed on a DC 18 Charisma (Persuasion) check with Valerius. The locks are high-quality, requiring a DC 20 Dexterity check with Thieves' Tools to bypass.
Recovering Damaged Records
The burned shelves on the right side of the archive are difficult to navigate. Characters searching this area for information must succeed on a DC 15 Intelligence (Investigation) check. On a failure, they accidentally crumble a fragile piece of evidence, making that specific information unrecoverable.
Research Mechanics
For Level 5 parties, a dedicated search of the archives takes 2 hours. A DC 15 Intelligence (History) or (Arcana) check grants them advantage on their next check related to local lore or political figures within the region.
Denizens
Meticulous, impatient with interruptions, and possesses a photographic memory for shelf locations.
A young woman with ink-stained fingers who is secretly trying to decipher the half-burned scraps from the damaged shelves.
A burly, no-nonsense veteran who sits near the restricted gate and carries a heavy ring of brass keys.
Rumors & Plot Hooks
- 1.The fire ten years ago was set by a noble trying to erase their family's connection to a cult.
- 2.A ghostly scholar is seen occasionally sorting books in the burned section at midnight.
- 3.The locked section contains a book that screams if opened by anyone but the Archivist.
Classified Entry
The burned shelves on the right hide a pressure plate behind a scorched support beam that opens a small compartment containing a ledger of secret city officials who are on a local guild's payroll.
Turn The Stone Ward Archive into a sheet
A high-res, share-ready sheet you can post or print.