The Gallowguard Library

The Library is an establishment started July 1, 2021 in Westwatch in a renovated estate on Yew Street. Its main collection of books consists of over 300 texts collected over centuries by the medusa Lucy Gallowguard who had made her home in the Downmond Crypts. The collection contains many rare tomes thought lost to time.

The library also houses a restaurant featuring the avant-garde cuisine of chef Summer.

For a 5 sp fee, a visitor can enter the library and have a private desk to read and write. Books are brought by the librarians. Viewing some books may require additional fees. Refreshments are provided by the restaurant. Visitors can also visit the restaurant without purchasing library access.

It is rumored that the library not only is a storehouse of lore and knowledge, but will acquire information, even things kept as close secrets, for a special fee. It is whispered that if you ask to see the "black book," you will be taken to a private audience with a librarian who will negotiate "special inquiries" on behalf of the library. Sometimes these "inquiries" might involve the services of powerful adventurers.

Staff
Aseir Pasha - Head Librarian, a stocky male human with a swollen nose. He has a particular love of ancient arcane lore.

Shandri Tallstag - Head of Staff. She is an elderly human woman. The service staff consists of 9 commoners, most of whom are related to Shandri, who were living in the ruins of the estate before Azarian took it over. They elected to stay on as "unskilled hirelings."

Dain - "Assistant Librarian" (Spymaster). He is a sinister male human with a walking cane. He spends a lot of time developing a spy network. He is on the run for some previous criminal activity.

Kevin Reedfellow - Assistant Chef. A a well-dressed halfling with scarred hands.

Geetra - Sergeant of the guard. A grim female human in charge of three guards who keep watch over the library.

Scribes - there are usually about two scribes who are unpaid workers. They are there to study and copy materials, but assist patrons with finding books. They also may do occasional scribe work for the library paid by the piece.

The Site
The grounds of the estate are walled. A secure gate is guarded at all times and a guard patrols the walls at all times. There is a carriage house that has been added onto for additional living space. The main house is two story. The library and Azarian's quarters are on the second floor, while the kitchen, restaurant and private study areas are on the first. There is a concealed pit in which Azarian keeps the bones and equipment for his skeleton army. Skeletons are not normally in view, but when Azarian is in residence, at least 2 skeletons assist the guards.