Minerva

Introduction

Somewhere in the endless Void exists the library of Paschia Fel. The shadowed halls of this labyrinth of shelves and corridors seem to stretch on forever. Considering the library’s purpose– cataloging everything new to the planes since the shattering of the Infinite Void– it may as well. Towering shelves line branching, angular corridors that stretch into shadow both above and ahead. The library’s design reminds those who walk within it that there is always more to uncover in the darkness. The only reprieve from the oppressive expanse comes in the form of a rare island of dim light. Desks and tables set out for mortals to study their finds, though not all of these spots are peaceful. Sometimes the Phantoms of scholars, long-forgotten in the halls, linger and hunger for more to know and take.

Background

There is always more to add to the library, and the Eidolon would not allow it to ever fall into disrepair. But given the menial task of upkeep, maintenance, and organization is typically beneath the Eidolon’s day-to-day attention, this task is left to one of her generals, Minerva.

Once a mortal woman, she sought the Eidolon’s assistance with her increasingly taboo and esoteric research. While she was reluctant to sign her soul away, Paschia Fel could tell Minerva had unusual potential. So she made her a lesser bargain with the hope the assistance she could bring would have Minerva return when she once more had to rely on the Eidolon’s power. This assumption proved true and over time, Minerva traded more and more of who she was for the pursuit of knowledge. A pint of blood for a hint. An eye for a book felt like a fair trade. Even trading her heart for one of a Witch felt like it gave her just what she needed. Eventually, Minerva was left unrecognizable as a human.

Transformed and pacted to Paschia Fel, Minerva now spends her time maintaining the library. But in addition to her stewardship, she provides similar bargains that Paschia Fel once offered to her– knowledge at a steep price. She’s known to help those who seek her out by learning what they wish to learn, preying on the misguided, those who’d use knowledge selfishly, and the desperate. Traditionally, the means to contact her are rooted in folklore and urban legends around libraries. ‘If you sneak in after dark and walk into the basement with a book the library doesn’t have, and say her name…’, ‘I hear on some days the library is bigger than it should be. If you walk down a hall you’ve never seen before and find books you’ve never read or heard of…’

Minerva’s approach is typically rooted in false understanding, assuring the would-be seeker only herself and Paschia Fel understand what it’s like to be at the bleeding edge of knowledge. She relies on flattery and appeals to her victim’s pride, telling them it’s not just knowledge they want– it’s knowledge they need. Minerva is sadistic and delights in twisting and corrupting victims until they’re little more than a collection of mistakes and bad trades.

Those especially dedicated to learning what they must are welcome to enter the library. But the everchanging, endless halls one would need to walk to find something specific are impossible to navigate without Minerva’s guidance, and the path to a section or specific tome or item is certainly not without danger. After all, Minerva is tasked with keeping the library safe, not its would-be patrons. But her cruelty does not lie in neglect– and she’s willing to help for an additional fee.

Trivia

The library houses information on all forms magic, not just magic associated with the Void or Paschia Fel.

While her goal is total subjugation of a victim’s soul, it is possible to make smaller bargains with Minerva and ‘escape’. Most patrons of the library tend to do a single bargain, or way too many.

The library gets worse the deeper in someone goes. Typically sought tomes or books tend to be closer to the entrance, so going further than this leads to less ‘explored’ territory.

Credit

Author: ferrousLeonine https://forum.verdict.dev/showthread.php?tid=3867