Between the Lines

Wednesdays 9-11 PM CDT
Mateus - Goblet - Ward 7 - Plot 55

Do you seek a rare tome? Or perhaps knowledge lost to the ages? Has a relic of unknown properties come into your hands and you wish to have it appraised... and possibly sold to the highest bidder? Is it perhaps some item of antiquity which you might desire? Translation and restoration services are also available.Between the Lines is a rare (and not so rare) books, esoterica, and antiquities library. The library is open on Wednesday nights (Central Time USA) or by appointment for discerning individuals... who can afford the wares.And not all things may be bought with gil...

About

Between the Lines is a library role play venue which is open on Wednesday nights from 9-11 PM Central Time (USA) or by appointment! There are multiple branches of the library, but it is currently operating out of the main branch at Mateus Goblet Ward 7 Plot 55. Appointments might take place at other locations.Please understand that we run on a shoestring staff (there's literally myself and a couple other people when they are available). We cannot be everywhere all at once. Yes, I am usually dual boxing the proprietor and the doorman. If you wish to interact with the latter, please send that character a tell.Between the Lines may be a largely self-guided experience for visitors but we will do our very best to try to interact at least minimally with every patron who steps through our doors. If you have any questions about the layout of the venue (i.e. where the various genre sections are located), please reach out to the staff and we're happy to give you directions so you can role play accordingly.Between the Lines is also a Free Company on Mateus server of Crystal Data Center (North America). Interested in joining a creepy occult "library" FC run by a suspicious figure with the tag <BOOKS>? Let me know and I'm happy to give your character an IC interview.

Staff

The Majordomo

Known to most as only Sokhor, he is Qaelemont's Majordomo, overseeing the elezen's estates and many of the man's affairs when Qaelemont isn't attending to them directly himself. The tall, laconic, and enigmatic Xaela is Qaelemont's most senior staff member, the rest deferring to his word when the books and antiquities dealer isn't there to give orders. Of indeterminate age and appearing to be somewhere in his thirties, there is an unsettling quality to the man, especially with his eerie thousand malm gaze that seems to look far, far into the distance. Perhaps even beyond the mortal realm... He is usually the staff member on duty during the night time hours.

Naohiro

The next senior member of Qaelemont's staff is the almost equally quiet Raen who serves the elezen with flawless efficiency. He is slightly more conversational at times, though not by much, and never volunteers more information than necessary to answer direct questions or impart necessary information. While not quite as disturbing as Sokhor, Naohiro does possess a strangeness about him which can be unnerving at times. He is usually the staff member on duty during the daylight hours.

Deryk

An ever present sight around the library, Deryk meets most with a friendly smile and a wave. The ginger haired hyur is very rarely seen far from Qaelemont's side, but will occasionally be in various parts of the estate when the Master isn't home. Somewhere in his early twenties, his eyes shimmer like emeralds, and his smile could warm even Shiva's frozen heart. Ever willing to help find the perfect tome for each and every one. Just be careful what you wish for. Deryk's more than happy to take anyone to Qaelemont for such requests.

Devin

The faithful servant and companion, Devin is often doing a number of tasks around the grounds. With a happy smile and upbeat demeanor, he enjoys helping everyone where he can, especially Qaelemont and Deryk. Don't let his innocent face fool you. He's well educated in arcane arts and, though he does get embarrassed quite easily, he is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to protecting those he loves and cares for. Devin is well versed in romance novels and loves to work in the library... when he's not exhausted from doing every chore in the house he can think of to help out.

The Librarians

Tea and Tentacles

It's a book club. Yes, that kind of book club.But no, seriously, we have a book club! Between the Lines offers both an In Character book club, Tea and Tentacles, hosted by Scarlett Clover in her chambers on the last Wednesday night of every month from 7:30 PM - 8:45 PM CDT prior to the library opening, and we also have an Out of Character book club which runs in our Discord server.Please feel free to join us as we feature writers across the realms of Eorzea and beyond at Tea and Tentacles all while enjoying Scarlett's featured selection of tea for the evening. Writers are welcome to share poetry, short stories, skits, or other forms of writing on our open stage then answer a brief Q&A afterward followed by a "signing" of their works. (Attendees are encouraged to tip but it is not required.)

Floor Plan

Between the Lines utilizes the Sharlayan decimal system for the organization of its collection. The catalogue indexes can be found on the desk next to the globe.

Ground FloorTrick Bookshelves - Record keeping. But why do the ledgers go back SO. MANY. YEARS. And from so many different locations?Right side by the couches and chairs - Sciences and general education section (i.e. languages, mathematics, astromancy, metallurgy, botany, etc.).Left side by the vase - Blindsight/Braille, Philosophy (including law), and TheologyFirst Floor - ObservatoryFiction of all types, romance of all types, and, you guessed it, pornography of all types (porn in the drawers). Also periodicals (magazines, newspapers, comics, etc.).Basement - CellarLittle Art Gallery - art, art history with history including politics down in the den below.Private Rooms Open to the Public:Art Gallery - A selection of both original works of art and quality reproductions by a variety of famed Masters. Some are quite valuable pieces dating back centuries and others are, obviously, more contemporary.Nothing forbidden or anything suspect that would get anyone into trouble in the public library. Also... be mindful of Alodie the pet mimic who guards the premises, especially after hours. IF one can get into the locked and warded estate. Alodie is fed before opening, but can be opportunistic and her favorite snack is lalafells... There are also two other estate guardians... one might notice them... or perhaps not? Intruders should be wary.

Application

Interested in working for Between the Lines? Please join our Discord server and take some time to get to know the community and take in the climate of the server and the role play opportunities available. There is a staff application link available in the Discord server and an In Character interview is required.Void Hunter type characters will most likely not be welcome as employees. Lawfully aligned characters may be accepted on a case by case basis. Between the Lines is run by a villainous character. It is an occult/dark/horror themed RP community with a veneer of civility and normalcy. We expect all staff members to be at least 18+ (preferably 21+) and capable of conducting themselves in mature, adult, and respectful manners.

Rules

1. You must be 18 years of age or older to participate in this venue. While business hours are Safe For Work, there may be Mature themes (occult, horror, etc.).2. Be polite and respectful. No attacking allowed. If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all. Disagreements are allowed, but keep them civil or take them to private channels (party, tells, etc.). While intellectual debate is allowed and encouraged, hostilities are not permitted on the premisis.3. No politics, no religion, and no conspiracy theories about real life subjects. Want to theorycraft and discuss in game politics, religion and conspiracies? Have at it. But leave real life issues at the door.4. No hate speech. This is a sex, kink, and equality positive space. Between the Lines is not an ERP venue, but we acknowledge that people are allowed, within reason, to be free to express themselves. Please no nudity or any behavior which might offend non-consenting parties.5. No trolls allowed.6. Nothing underaged allowed in an NSFW form. This is to include loli and shota images/writings. Anything under 18 years old is considered underaged. The caveat to this rule is that ageplay can be discussed as long as it is abundantly clear that the participants are consenting adults. Characters which appear to be minors are also not allowed. Lalafells are welcome to participate in the venue, but may not interact in an NSFW manner.7. No harassment will be tolerated. Treat the staff and fellow patrons with respect.8. Do NOT request money, subscription time, in game gil, items, etc. from other people here. We are all adults and should be financially responsible for ourselves in and out of game. All transactions are strictly IC RP only. Nobody will ever ask you for money or items, either in game or real life. If this occurs, please report it to a member of the staff.9. Consent is still vital, even in role play. While noncon RP scenes may take place, please be certain OOC that such a scene is welcome among all participants. Understand that no means no and if someone does not want to participate in a role play with you, respect their no and move along.10. Please treat everyone with kindness and respect. This is a safe place for roleplay and for people to have fun. IC sassiness and villainy are fine, but expect IC consequences for your character's IC actions. "It's just RP" is not an excuse to trample on people's consent, and if it is brought up in OOC that it isn't really welcome, we ask you to please respect that. This venue is a place for FUN RP. If you wish to engage in conflict RP here, you MUST seek OOC consent of the staff and all participants before doing so and, again, expect IC reactions to disruptive behavior.For any questions or concerns, please reach out to any staff member.

Kugane Night Market

2 May 2024 - 7:00pm CDT - Coeurl - Kugane, Rakuza District

Rumors have reached you... it's a rare opportunity. Beyond the scrutiny of the Thaumaturgists' Guild of Ul'dah, a certain rare books and antiquities dealer will be offering a select amount of wares for discerning collectors...

Books

If you're looking for the more mundane literature to be found at Between the Lines, you might be sadly disappointed. Only the more esoteric volumes have been brought for sale for this night. One might find what they seek, be it fame, fortune, power, or glory, but there is always a price to pay...

1. The Codex of Forgotten Horrors:
- Appearance: Encased in rusted iron bindings, the Codex of Forgotten Horrors emits a faint, eerie hum when approached. Its pages are made of a strange, translucent material that seems to shift and warp, revealing glimpses of unspeakable nightmares lurking within.
- Description: This cursed tome contains forbidden knowledge of ancient cosmic entities and eldritch abominations that exist beyond mortal comprehension. Reading its pages can drive the reader to madness, as the horrors described within slowly consume their sanity.2. Codex Obscura:
- Appearance: This ancient tome appears as a bound collection of dried human skin, adorned with symbols of arcane power etched in blood-red ink. Faint whispers emanate from its pages, as if the souls trapped within seek release.
- Description: The Codex Obscura contains knowledge of forbidden rituals that twist the fabric of reality itself. It promises power over time, space, and dimensions beyond mortal comprehension. However, those who delve too deeply risk madness or worse, as the boundaries between worlds blur and ancient horrors stir from their slumber.3. Tome of Ebon Dreams:
- Appearance: The Tome of Ebon Dreams is bound in shimmering black silk, adorned with silver clasps shaped like twisted nightmares. When opened, the pages seem to shift, revealing visions of darkness and despair.
- Description: This cursed tome grants the ability to peer into the dreams of others and manipulate the very fabric of their subconscious minds. It offers insights into forbidden psychic arts and promises untold power over the minds of both allies and enemies. However, delving into its depths risks becoming lost within the labyrinth of one's own nightmares, forever trapped in a waking dream.4. The Necronomicon of the Abyssal Void:
- Appearance: Bound in shimmering, iridescent leather that seems to shift and change color with every glance, the Necronomicon of the Abyssal Void is an object of otherworldly beauty and terror. Its pages are made of a material resembling blackened, petrified flesh, adorned with runes that seem to writhe and squirm.
- Description: Legends speak of the Necronomicon as a gateway to forbidden dimensions and realms of unimaginable darkness. It is said to contain incantations capable of summoning ancient entities and bending reality to the will of the caster. However, those who dare to wield its power often find themselves consumed by the very forces they sought to control.5. The Tome of Endless Whispers:
- Appearance: Wrapped in tattered, moth-eaten cloth that seems to shift and flutter of its own accord, the Tome of Endless Whispers emanates an unsettling aura of quiet malevolence. Its pages are blank upon first glance, but upon closer inspection, faint, ghostly whispers can be heard echoing from within.
- Description: This cursed tome is said to be a repository of forbidden knowledge passed down through generations of occult practitioners. It is rumored to contain the secrets of communing with the restless spirits of the dead and harnessing their power for dark purposes. However, delving too deeply into its mysteries can invite the wrath of vengeful specters and malevolent entities from beyond the grave.6. The Necrosanct Tome of the Forbidden God:
- Appearance: Bound in shimmering, golden chains that writhe and coil around its surface, the Necrosanct Tome of the Forbidden God radiates an aura of divine malevolence. Its pages are inscribed with blasphemous scripture and profane invocations.
- Description: This cursed tome is said to contain the teachings and commandments of a forbidden deity worshipped by cultists and heretics. Reading from it grants dark powers and forbidden knowledge, but at the cost of one's soul, as the forbidden god claims ownership over the reader for eternity.7. The Codex of Arcane Anomalies:
- Appearance: A bound collection of loose parchment sheets, each covered in cryptic symbols and diagrams that seem to writhe and shift when observed closely. The pages are stained with strange liquids and covered in the fingerprints of countless previous readers.
- Description: This cursed codex delves into the secrets of forbidden magics that defy the laws of nature. It offers spells for manipulating time, space, and reality itself, but each incantation comes with a high price. Those who delve too deeply into its pages risk becoming ensnared in the very anomalies they seek to control, their bodies and minds twisted and warped by the eldritch energies they unleash.8. The Grimoire of Unending Nightmares:
- Appearance: A small, unassuming book with a cover made of dark velvet, adorned with silver filigree and blood-red gemstones. The pages are filled with haunting illustrations of grotesque creatures and scenes of terror.
- Description: This cursed grimoire contains spells for summoning and controlling nightmares, allowing the user to unleash their darkest fears upon their enemies. However, the nightmares soon begin to escape the confines of the book, manifesting in the waking world and tormenting all who come into contact with them. The user risks being consumed by their own fears, trapped in an endless cycle of terror and despair.9. The Tome of Blighted Desires:
- Appearance: Wrapped in shimmering, emerald-green silk that feels unnaturally warm, the Tome of Blighted Desires exudes an intoxicating scent of decay and corruption. Its pages are adorned with intricate illustrations of twisted, malformed creatures engaged in perverse acts of depravity.
- Description: This cursed tome promises to fulfill the darkest desires of its reader, but at a terrible cost. Its pages are filled with forbidden rituals and incantations that warp the mind and soul, driving the reader to indulge in increasingly depraved acts of hedonism and vice.10. The Necronomicon of Nonsensical Nonsense:
- Appearance: A bizarre tome bound in flesh-colored leather, adorned with eyes that seem to follow the reader's every movement. The pages are filled with gibberish and nonsensical ramblings, written in a language that defies comprehension.
- Description: This cursed necronomicon is said to contain the secrets of forbidden knowledge, but its true purpose remains a mystery. Its spells and incantations are seemingly random and nonsensical, often producing absurd and unpredictable results. Some believe that the book itself is cursed to drive its readers insane, filling their minds with meaningless babble and leaving them unable to distinguish reality from fiction.

Items

1. Amulet of Serenity:
- Description: A delicate amulet adorned with soothing blue gemstones. When worn, it emits a calming aura that grants the wearer immunity to fear and anxiety.
- Ability: Provides a +2 bonus to saving throws against fear effects and grants advantage on checks to resist intimidation.2. Bottle of Infinite Waters:
- Description: A small glass bottle filled with clear, sparkling water. No matter how much water is poured from it, the bottle always remains full.
- Ability: Can produce an endless supply of clean drinking water, refreshing and revitalizing those who partake.3. Cloak of Shadows:
- Description: A flowing cloak made from shadowy fabric that seems to absorb light. When worn, it grants the ability to blend seamlessly into shadows, granting invisibility in dimly lit areas.
- Ability: Allows the wearer to cast the Invisibility spell once per day while in dim light or darkness.4. Ring of Ethereal Reflection:
- Description: This ring appears to be made of polished silver, with an opal set in its center that seems to contain swirling wisps of color. Engraved along the band are arcane symbols that shimmer faintly in the light.
- Ability: When activated, the Ring of Ethereal Reflection creates a shimmering barrier around the wearer, reflecting any incoming magical projectiles or spells back at the caster. This protective shield lasts for a short duration and can deflect even the most powerful of magical assaults.5. Wand of Illumination:
- Description: A slender wand made of polished wood and tipped with a glowing crystal. When activated, it emits a bright light, illuminating dark spaces and dispelling shadows.
- Ability: Can cast the Light spell at will, creating a radiant glow that brightens a 20-foot radius around the wielder.6. Neural Interface Jack:
- Description: A sleek device that connects directly to the user's neural implants or majitek enhancements. It allows for seamless integration with compatible technology, granting access to augmented reality interfaces and enhancing cognitive abilities.
- Functionality: Provides a direct link to virtual networks, allowing the user to access information, communicate with others, and control majitek devices with mere thought.7. Holo-Disguise Generator:
- Description: A compact device capable of projecting holographic illusions around the user, masking their appearance and altering their perceived identity.
- Functionality: Allows the user to change their appearance, clothing, and even voice to blend into crowds or deceive surveillance systems.8. Graviton Boots:
- Description: Advanced footwear equipped with graviton emitters that manipulate gravitational forces. They allow the wearer to walk on vertical surfaces, scale walls, and defy conventional notions of gravity.
- Functionality: Provides enhanced mobility and maneuverability in urban environments, enabling the user to navigate obstacles and access hard-to-reach locations with ease.9. EMP Disruptor Glove:
- Description: A specialized glove fitted with electromagnetic pulse (EMP) generators. When activated, it emits a localized burst of electromagnetic energy, disrupting majitek and electronic devices and disabling security systems.
- Functionality: Allows the user to bypass electronic locks, disable surveillance cameras, and incapacitate majitek-enhanced adversaries with a well-timed pulse.10. Majitek Eye Implant:
- Description: A majitek enhancement that replaces or augments the user's natural eye with advanced optics and sensory enhancements. It provides enhanced vision modes, including night vision, thermal imaging, and augmented reality overlays.
- Functionality: Grants the user enhanced perception and situational awareness, allowing them to see in low-light conditions, analyze electronic/majitek systems, and identify hidden threats.11. Never Lost Bookmarks:
- Description: Thin, magitek bookmarks that come in many patterns and colors. A creature comfort for Garleans longing for a simple taste of home. Or perhaps a unique fad for the scholar looking for a technological improvement on the common scrap of paper.
- Functionality: The nookmark illuminates the line on the page that the owner sets it to so that they won't forget where they were. Can also be programmed to hold up to twenty other 'bookmarks' stored within it. Good for the academic who needs to take notes from multiple sections in a book.

Antiquities

These are the more unusual items brought this evening to the Night Market. They are rare and powerful and will not be had for a song and a dance. Mastery over them will require strength, determination, and dedication (there are suggested quests for role play flavor).

Name: Alchemia's EssenceDescription: Alchemia's Essence is an exquisite alembic, forged from an alloy of rare metals and adorned with intricate alchemical symbols and runes that gleam with an otherworldly luminescence. Its design is both elegant and functional, with multiple chambers and conduits designed to channel and refine magical essences.Features:1. Magical Distillation: Alchemia's Essence possesses the ability to distill magical energies from various sources, including rare herbs, elemental essences, and mystical artifacts. It can extract, purify, and concentrate these energies into potent elixirs, essences, and potions imbued with specific magical properties.2. Transmutation: The alembic is capable of transmuting mundane substances into magical counterparts. Through a precise combination of alchemical processes and arcane incantations, it can transform base materials such as lead into precious metals like gold, or imbue ordinary liquids with mystical properties in small quantities.3. Aura Analysis: Alchemia's Essence has the ability to analyze the magical aura of substances and individuals. By capturing samples within its chambers and subjecting them to alchemical scrutiny, it can discern the nature, potency, and alignment of magical energies present, providing valuable insights for alchemical experimentation and spellcraft.4. Alchemy Automation: Through the infusion of enchanted mechanisms and arcane sigils, Alchemia's Essence can operate autonomously, following pre-set alchemical protocols and recipes. This automation feature allows for the continuous production of magical elixirs and potions, freeing the alchemist to focus on more complex experiments and rituals.5. Temporal Manipulation: In its most advanced configuration, Alchemia's Essence can manipulate the flow of time within its chambers. By harnessing temporal energies and channeling them through its conduits, it can accelerate or decelerate the aging process of substances, allowing for rapid maturation of potions or the preservation of delicate ingredients.6. Ethereal Conduit: As a conduit for magical energies, Alchemia's Essence serves as a focal point for rituals and spellcasting. It can amplify the effects of incantations and enchantments performed in its vicinity, drawing upon the latent energies stored within its chambers to empower magical workings and rites.Origin: Legend has it that Alchemia's Essence was crafted by a master alchemist of Allagan times, who sought to unlock the secrets of the cosmos through the synthesis of magic and science. Through years of tireless experimentation and mystical insight, the alchemist succeeded in creating this wondrous artifact, which had been thought lost to the ages...Limitations: Despite its remarkable powers, Alchemia's Essence is not without limitations. Its abilities are contingent upon the skill and knowledge of the alchemist wielding it, and misuse or mishandling of its powers can have dire consequences. Moreover, the creation of certain elixirs and potions may require rare and exotic ingredients, making them challenging to procure.Quest: Those seeking Alchemia's Essence must embark on a quest of alchemical discovery, delving into ancient texts, consulting with wise sages, and overcoming trials of intellect and intuition. Only those deemed worthy by the alchemical spirits and attuned to the subtle rhythms of magical alchemy will be granted access to its full transformative powers.----------Name: FrostreaverDescription: Frostreaver is a formidable battle-axe crafted from a rare, glacial metal found only in the deepest, most remote regions of the frozen north. Its blade is honed to a razor-sharp edge, shimmering with an icy sheen that never melts, while its haft is carved from the ancient wood of an ice-encased tree, imbued with the resilience of the tundra. Crackling with frost and resonating with the howling winds of winter, Frostreaver is as much a tool of destruction as it is a symbol of elemental power.Features:1. Glacial Fury: Frostreaver harnesses the chilling power of the frozen wastes, allowing its bearer to unleash devastating attacks imbued with icy wrath. With each swing of the axe, blasts of frost erupt, freezing enemies in their tracks and encasing them in solid ice.2. Frozen Retribution: Upon striking a foe, Frostreaver has the ability to drain their warmth and vitality, sapping their strength and leaving them vulnerable to further assaults. This draining effect can weaken even the hardiest of adversaries, turning the tide of battle in favor of its wielder.3. Blizzard's Embrace: When wielded in combat, Frostreaver can conjure swirling blizzards and icy gusts, obscuring its bearer from sight and freezing the air around them. This mystical cloak of frost grants protection against ranged attacks and enhances the axe's chilling abilities.4. Permafrost Preservation: Frostreaver's glacial metal is impervious to the passage of time and the ravages of decay. It never rusts, corrodes, or dulls, remaining as pristine and lethal as the day it was forged. This enduring quality ensures that Frostreaver is a weapon for the ages, passed down through generations as a testament to its power.5. Arctic Adaptation: Through prolonged attunement with Frostreaver, its bearer gains resistance to extreme cold and harsh weather conditions. They become one with the frozen wilderness, able to traverse icy landscapes with ease and endure the biting chill of winter without faltering.6. Winter's Blessing: Frostreaver can be imbued with additional magical properties through rituals conducted during the coldest nights of the year, under the light of the full moon. These rituals call upon the spirits of winter to infuse the axe with heightened frost magic, enhancing its potency and granting it new abilities.Origin: Frostreaver is said to have been forged by ancient ice mages in a time long forgotten, using secret techniques passed down through generations. They drew upon the essence of the frozen wastes and the wisdom of the Arctic spirits to create a weapon of unparalleled cold fury, destined to be wielded by champions of the north.Limitations: Despite its formidable powers, Frostreaver is not without limitations. Its chilling energies may be less effective against foes resistant to cold or immune to magic. Moreover, prolonged exposure to its icy aura can sap the warmth from its bearer, leading to fatigue and exhaustion in extreme conditions.Quest: Those seeking to master Frostreaver must brave the frozen wilderness, navigating treacherous glaciers, and confronting ancient guardians of the ice. They may be tested by the spirits of winter, challenged to prove their worthiness and resolve before the axe submits to its chosen champion. Only those with the strength of will and the heart of ice will be deemed worthy to wield this legendary weapon of frost.