Library of Quetzali

Nestled high above the southern cliffs of the Ak'tuin Gulf, the Library of Quetzali is a true marvel of architecture and a treasure trove of ancient knowledge. The library was built by the Shaman's Mantle thousands of years ago and is still standing to this day, a testament to the skill of its builders.
The Shaman's Mantle is known for their mastery of astronomy, mathematics, and ancient engineering techniques, but most importantly of all, ancient history. The library houses thousands of books and manuscripts, which are written on a variety of materials such as papyrus, parchment, and stone tablets. The books cover a range of subjects, from astronomy and mathematics to philosophy and religion. The library is a hub of learning and research, attracting scholars from all over the world. The Library of Quetzali is a popular destination for scholars and tourists alike. Visitors can explore the library's many chambers and examine its many treasures. The books and manuscripts are carefully preserved and protected, and visitors are allowed to view them under the watchful eye of the Library's archivists.
As the primary temple of the Shaman's mantle, it holds an immense amount of arcane knowledge and serves as a place of worship for the followers of Quetzali, the Living God of knowledge, learning, and Magic.
The library is tended to by the Coatls, winged serpentine creatures that guard the knowledge contained within its walls. These guardians ensure that the library remains a safe haven for learning and that no harm comes to its visitors or its contents.

To gain access to the archives, a visitor must first offer knowledge in exchange. This can take the form of a story, a secret recipe, or a previously unknown piece of history. The quality of the knowledge offered will determine whether or not the visitor is granted access to the archives.
The Library of Quetzali is not just a repository of knowledge; it is also a place of worship. Followers of Quetzali come to the library to pay their respects to the Living God of knowledge and to seek guidance and inspiration for their magical endeavours. The library's vast collection of books, scrolls, and other arcane artefacts serves as a source of inspiration for many aspiring mages and spellcasters.
In addition to the knowledge contained within its walls, the Library of Quetzali is also renowned for its architecture. The temple is a magnificent structure that boasts stunning artwork and intricate carvings.
The Library also contains numerous records and chronicles of the Ak'teshi Empire. Scholars and historians from all over the world come to the library to study and research the history of this ancient empire of Giant-kin, which once ruled over vast swathes of land and was feared and respected by all.
The librarians of the Library of Quetzali have meticulously preserved and recorded the ancient texts and records pertaining to the Ak'teshi Empire. They have compiled countless volumes of chronicles, scrolls, and codices that offer insights into the political, cultural, and religious aspects of the empire.
One of the most intriguing records in the library's archives is the Book of Ak'tuin, a detailed chronicle of the life and deeds of Ak'tuin, the legendary shaman warrior who founded the empire. The book offers a rare glimpse into the life and times of this enigmatic figure who rose to power and built a powerful civilization that lasted for millennia.
The librarians have also compiled volumes of records that offer insights into the military might of the Ak'teshi Empire. These records detail the empire's vast armies of giant-kin warriors, renowned for their skill in combat and their indomitable spirit. The records also describe the empire's formidable war machines, including the towering siege engines and the fearsome war golems, which struck fear into the hearts of their enemies.
The cultural and religious aspects of the Ak'teshi Empire have also been meticulously documented in the library's archives. The records describe the empire's complex pantheon of gods, which included the five Nephilim and a host of other deities worshipped by the giant-kin. The records also detail the empire's intricate social hierarchies and the unique customs and traditions of its people.
But despite the wealth of knowledge that the Library of Quetzali holds, many mysteries surrounding the Ak'teshi Empire remain unsolved. Some scholars speculate that the empire's downfall was due to a catastrophic event, such as a great war or a natural disaster. Others believe that internal conflicts and social upheavals may have contributed to its demise.
Regardless of the theories and conjectures, the legacy of the Ak'teshi Empire lives on in the archives of the Library of Quetzali. As scholars continue to pore over the ancient records, new insights into this enigmatic kingdom of Giant-kin are uncovered, ensuring that its memory will never fade into obscurity.

The Great Seal

One of the most significant artefacts housed within the Library of Quetzali is the Great Seal itself.
The Great Seal is a magnificent work of craftsmanship that spans an incredible two-hundred feet in diameter. Built by the skilled members of the Shaman's Mantle, this

massive, eternally-rotating golden disc is incorporated into the structure of the temple library. Inscribed with ancient sigils of power, the Seal is a remarkable feat of engineering and design, as it rotates endlessly through divine magic, casting a soft and radiant golden light. It is said that the Seal is imbued with a powerful magic that wards the Library with a sacred aura of protection, keeping its contents safe and secure. This warding magic specifically targets and negates any violent tendencies of pilgrims and travellers seeking to gain access to the library's archives. However, it is not foolproof and can be bypassed by individuals with a great amount of willpower.
Its centre point of rotation is located within the personal study chambers of Archmage Etzil Azcatl, at the temple's apex, emphasizing the importance and significance of the Seal to the temple's leadership. This centre point is where the Seal's magic is strongest, and where it is most heavily guarded.
Though, the Seal betrays a much more important role that is crucial to the safety of the Dynasty. It holds a powerful spell that was created thousands of years ago by the great Quetzali, the Living God of knowledge, learning, magic, and creation. It was a spell designed to put the titanic creature Taurask, the immense beast that almost all Saurask view as a god, into an eternal slumber. Taurask was a creature of immense size and power, with the ability to cause destruction on a massive scale. It was said that the mere footsteps of Taurask could cause temples to crumble and rivers to change course. Quetzali, along with the other Living Gods, used their divine powers to craft this spell and put the creature into a deep sleep at a location now known as the Titan's Rest.
Centuries later, the Shaman's Mantle infused the spell with the Great Seal to reinforce it for generations to come, and to ensure the continued stability of the spell. It has since been a part of the temple, rotating continuously and keeping Taurask in its slumber.

The Seal is considered to be one of the most powerful magical artefacts in the world, and it is fiercely guarded by the Coatls, the winged serpents who serve as the guardians of the Library. Any attempts to tamper with the Seal are met with immediate and deadly force from the Coatls. It is said that only the most powerful and knowledgeable of mages could hope to understand the intricacies of the Seal's magic, let alone attempt to manipulate it.
While the Great Seal is a vital tool in ensuring the safety and stability of the Dynasty, there are some who fear that the power of the Seal could be turned against them. The possibility of someone damaging the Seal to awaken Taurask is a constant source of concern, and the Shaman's Mantle have sworn to protect the Seal and the Library with their lives.
Despite the potential dangers, the Great Seal remains a source of awe and fascination for those who study magic and the arcane. Its power and mystery have made it a subject of many legends and stories, and its importance to the Tahosian Dynasty cannot be overstated. Only Etzil, the chosen mortal Avatar of Quetzali, is able to understand the Seal's intricacies.

Archmage Etzil Azcatl

Archmage Etzil Azcatl is a figure of great interest and fascination within the Shaman's mantle, particularly among those who seek to understand the complex interplay between magic and alchemy. Etzil's remarkable talents in both these fields have made him the most prominent figure within the Library of Quetzali.
Etzil's interest in alchemy began at an early age, and he quickly became fascinated with the process of transmuting common materials into precious metals. He spent many years honing his craft, drawing on the knowledge he had acquired during his travels to far-off lands. As he delved deeper into his research, he began to incorporate magical elements into his work, blending the disciplines of alchemy and metallurgy to create entirely new materials.
It was during one of his experiments that disaster struck. A freak explosion of alchemical and arcane energy threatened to end Etzil's quest for knowledge forever. Miraculously, he survived the explosion, but not without consequences. His skin turned to pure gold, and he was forced to wear a golden mask to hide his disfigurement from the world.
Despite this setback, Etzil's determination only grew stronger. He continued his research, delving ever deeper into the mysteries of magic and alchemy. His experiments led to the creation of new metals and alloys, each with unique properties and uses.
Etzil's work soon earned him the admiration of his peers. He became a celebrated figure within the Shaman's mantle, his knowledge and talents in great demand. However, he remained a somewhat enigmatic figure, keeping his true motivations and ambitions hidden from all but his closest allies.

Some have speculated that Etzil's pursuit of knowledge is driven by a desire for power and control, and that he seeks to use his discoveries to dominate those around him. Others see him as a visionary, a brilliant mind with the potential to unlock secrets that could transform the world.
Archmage Etzil Azcatl is not only a highly accomplished alchemist and mage, but he is also one of the rare few who have been blessed by a Living God. Specifically, Quetzali. He is an Avatar, a mortal chosen by Quetzali to serve as a conduit between the god and the mortal world. As an Avatar, Etzil has access to Quetzali's vast knowledge and power. He is able to channel the god's magic to create powerful spells and enchantments, and his understanding of the magical arts has been greatly enhanced by his divine connection.
Etzil's status as an Avatar has elevated him to a position of great importance within the Shaman's Mantle and Tahosian society as a whole. He is not only respected for his knowledge and abilities but also revered as a living embodiment of Quetzali's power and wisdom.
Etzil is expected to use his powers and knowledge to serve the interests of Quetzali and the Dynasty. He is entrusted with safeguarding the Library of Quetzali, ensuring that the knowledge contained within its walls remains safe and protected. He is also called upon to act as an advisor and diplomat to the current Emperor of the Dynasty, T'chan, using his wisdom and insight to help guide the Dynasty's policies and actions.
Despite his status as an Avatar, Etzil is not immune to the challenges and dangers of the mortal world. He must still navigate the political intrigues and power struggles that exist within Tahosian society, and he must constantly be on guard against those who would seek to use his abilities for their own gain. However, Etzil's status as an Avatar also brings with it a great deal of prestige and influence. His words and actions carry weight, and his opinions are highly valued by those around him. As an Avatar, he is a true living legend, an exemplar of the potential that mortals can achieve with the help of the Living Gods.

Map of Tansia

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Founding Date

C. -3,100

Type

Temple / Religious complex

Parent Location

Tansia

Owning Organization

Shaman's Mantle