THE MAGPIE MUSEUM OF NATURAL INQUIRY
Generally looked upon merely as an institution that fosters the study of history, art, and culture, the Magpie Museum of Natural Inquiry has secretive bureaus that pay adventurers and explorers to find and retrieve rare objects for its collection. Picaros and crypt-kickers possessing of the requisite skills in larceny and flexible ethics can often find a little “night work” with the Museum if they know who to ask.
THE LIBRIS REX
One of Umberwell’s most powerful institutions is the Libris Rex, the grandest circulating library in the known world. The librarian-explorers of Libris Rex often fund expeditions to forsaken ruins to retrieve lost knowledge and to preserve rare texts. The current head librarian of the Libris Rex is Rahadma, an angel who formerly served Orthea, goddess of knowledge and progress.
THE ETHERGRAM COOPERATIVE
Magical messages can be sent far and wide instantly by the gnome-run Ethergram Cooperative. Ethergrams are transmitted by the gnomes of the Cooperative directly into the intended recipient’s mind. Sometimes ethergram transmissions are intercepted by the Elder Evils, who instead relay horrible cosmic truths instead of the intended message. Whether they do this altruistically, as a prank, or for sinister reasons best left unplumbed is currently unknown—and most sensible folk fear the day when speculation about this topic turns to certainty.
THE FEAST OF INIQUITY
The most important holiday in Umberwell is the week-long Feast of Iniquity that ends the summer months. During this week the rule of law is suspended, and citizens hide behind masks or painted faces to pursue their passions unhindered and unpunished. After the Feast, a period of atonement begins. It’s a good time of the year to take what needs to be taken, or to finally bed that married neighbor who has been making eyes at you all year. And best of all, no one can say squat about it after; it’s custom that what happens during the Feast goes without redress, recrimination, or even public mention.
Your soul is filthy, crypt-kicker. Best you get to a temple and beg the goddesses for mercy.
– Varan Trask, professional urchin
