Books of Knowledge

The Lost Civilizations of the East

Author: Samuel Briggs
Description: The book is large and well-worn, with a faded, maroon leather cover. Gold leafing is used for the title on the spine, though much of it has worn off with age. The pages are yellowed, and the edges are rough, showing signs of frequent use. A faded map of ancient Eastern ruins is embossed on the front cover.
Summary: This work delves into the archaeology of ancient cities and cultures, covering the art, tools, and architecture that survived long after their collapse. Briggs provides a critical analysis of the methods used in uncovering these civilizations and the significance of their forgotten legacies, especially the Red Kingdom of Kazar and Zaxor.
Useful for: Archaeologist
GM info / spoilers / plot hooks.

This is GM information

by Tillerz using MJ

The Craft of Excavation

Author: Vana Alerious
Description: A practical, sturdy hardcover book with a deep green cover, lightly scuffed at the edges. The title is embossed in silver on the cover, though the spine is cracked from use. The pages are crisp, and small tabs mark various sections, indicating the most referenced techniques. A few ink sketches of excavation sites and tools are scattered throughout the chapters.
Summary: This book covers the essential techniques in excavation - surveying, mapping, and preserving fragile artifacts. Alerious emphasizes the importance of meticulous note-taking, the proper handling of objects, and understanding the ethical responsibilities of archaeologists.
Useful for: Archaeologist

by Tillerz using MJ

The Art of Dungeon Survival

Author: Edgar Finch
Description: The book is a compact, dark brown leather-bound volume, with a faint smell of damp stone and earth. The cover has an intricate design of dungeon passageways, though some of the ink has faded with time. A few folded maps of dungeon layouts are tucked within.
Summary: Finch discusses strategies for navigating dungeons, from detecting traps and identifying hidden passages to dealing with dangerous creatures and managing limited resources. The book also includes sections on basic first aid and how to use your environment to your advantage.
Useful for: Dungeon Delver

by Tillerz using MJ

Dungeon Architecture: Structures of the Underworld

Author: Gregory Vance
Description: A thick, heavy tome with a blackened leather cover, its corners reinforced with brass. The title is stamped in silver, though worn and faded by time. The pages are thick and rich in texture, with several fold-out diagrams of architectural blueprints, some so large they require careful handling. The book shows signs of wear from being opened frequently and studied over the years.
Summary: Vance explores the architecture of dungeons, examining how these structures were crafted for both defense and mysticism. This book is a must-read for those who need to understand the spatial organization of traps, secret rooms, and defensive strategies often employed by dungeon architects.
Useful for: Dungeon Delver

by Tillerz using MJ

Mapping the Uncharted: Techniques for the Modern Cartographer

Author: Geertruud Smallbottom
Description: A slim, weathered book with a navy-blue cloth cover, featuring a worn gold compass rose on the front. The spine is cracked, though the binding remains intact. The pages are crisp and neat, with occasional watermarks from weathered fieldwork. The edges of the pages are slightly frayed, and the inked diagrams and maps on the inside are fine, though slightly smudged from use.
Summary: Smallbottom presents a step-by-step guide to the essential skills of a cartographer, including measuring distances, calculating angles, and creating topographical maps. She also discusses the history of mapping and the importance of accuracy in charting new territories.
Useful for: Cartographer

by Tillerz using MJ

The Geography of Unexplored Realms

Author: Elias Blackwell
Description: This is a large, imposing hardcover book, with a faded, dark green cloth cover and intricate gold lettering on the spine. The book shows signs of aging with a few loose pages at the edges and the cover slightly cracked. The pages are thick and textured, and the book is filled with hand-drawn maps, some of which are pasted in with uneven edges, providing a rustic, field-journal quality to the work. The corners are dog-eared, and the binding feels as though it has been well-loved by many explorers.
Summary: Blackwell compiles records of forgotten regions and their various environmental conditions, offering insight into ancient terrains, forests, rivers, and mountain ranges. This book is particularly useful for cartographers and adventurers looking to map uncharted lands, as it includes sketches and references to various explorers’ accounts.
Useful for: Cartographer

by Tillerz using MJ