Difference between revisions of "Black Library of Chaos"

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{{redirect|Black Library|the publishing subsidiary of [[Games Workshop]]|Black Library (BL Publishing)}}
 
{{redirect|Black Library|the publishing subsidiary of [[Games Workshop]]|Black Library (BL Publishing)}}
 
{{HarlequinsPortal}}
 
{{HarlequinsPortal}}
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[[Image:Endymtorblacklibraryguardians.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Guardians of the Black Library{{Fn|3}}]]
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[[Image:Endymtorblacklibraryguardians.jpg|thumb|300px|right|[[Guardian-Scribes]] of the Black Library{{Fn|3}}]]
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The '''Black Library of Chaos''' (also known as just the '''Black Library''') is the [[Eldar]]'s repository of forbidden lore.{{Fn|1}}
+
The '''Black Library of Chaos''' (also known as just the '''Black Library''') is the [[Eldar]]'s repository of forbidden lore.{{Fn|1}} Knowledge of the library's existence is known to few and even fewer are allowed entry.{{Fn|1}} The passages to the Black Library are guarded by [[Harlequin]]s, who come and go as needed from the library{{fn|9}} although their [[Solitaire]]s (as well as the human [[Illuminati]]) may come and go as they wish,{{Fn|1}} The entrances to the library itself are guarded by mythic guardians,{{Fn|11}} [[Guardian-Scribes]],{{fn|1}} as well as the [[White Seer]]s.{{Fn|7b}}
 +
 
 +
==Library Contents==
 +
Within the Black Library of Chaos are collected tomes and writings describing the Eldar's studies of the [[warp]]. These collected tomes, books, and codicies describe all aspects of Chaos: its blandishments, influences, forms, creatures, perils, promises and horrors.{{Fn|1}} The library contains not just Eldar knowledge of Chaos; any knowledge of Chaos is taken and kept within the Library,{{Fn|1}} such as a copy of the [[Book of Magnus]].{{Fn|13}}
 +
 
 +
Though most often mentioned in relation to its collection of chaotic lore, the Library contains other mysteries as well. It is said that knowledge of the fate of [[Arhra]], the fallen [[Phoenix Lord]], is contained within the vast archives of the Black Library, as is the nature of ancient "[[C'tan|Star Gods]]".{{Fn|5b}}
 +
 
 +
Since the [[Fall of the Eldar]], a [[Crystal Tome of Cegorach|Crystal Tome]] bounded with chains of light has rested upon an obsidian plinth at the heart of the Black Library. As fabled events came to pass — beginning with [[Ahzek Ahriman]] learning the first of those truths leading to his eventual attack on the Black Library{{Fn|5d}} and culminating with the death of the [[Maiden World]] of Dúriel{{Fn|5e}} — so those chains faded one by one until the tome opened shortly before the opening of the [[Great Rift]].{{Fn|5e}}
 +
 
 +
===Known and Rumoured Works===
 +
*[[Atlas Infernal]]
 +
*[[Book of Mournful Night]]
 +
*[[Book of Rhana Dandra]]
 +
*[[Cries of Isha]]
 +
*[[Stern Codex]] (intended to be placed here)
 +
*The [[True Name]] of the [[Emperor of Mankind]] (rumoured, as one possible location){{Fn|6}}
 +
*[[Book of Magnus]] (copy){{Fn|8}}
 +
*[[Daemonicus Totalus]] (copy){{Fn|8}}
  
 
==History==
 
==History==
−
The [[Craftworld]]s became the only surviving sources of their ancient knowledge after the [[Fall of the Eldar]]. As the Craftworlds have drifted apart, this knowledge has consequently become fragmented, and as some Craftworlds have become lost over the millennia, more knowledge has been lost with them.{{Fn|1}} The Library is the only source of the Eldar's knowledge concerning [[Chaos]] that has remained untouched. It was created by [[Cegorach]] (better known as the Laughing God), though for what purposes can only be guessed.{{Fn|2}} As such, the Black Library is guarded by [[Harlequin]]s such as those of the [[Masque of the Falling Moon]]{{Fn|9}} as well as the [[White Seer]]s.{{Fn|7b}}
+
===Ancient History===
 +
The exact origin of the library is unclear, stories within its shelves name the [[Old Ones]],{{Fn|9}} the ancient [[Aeldari]],{{fn|9}} and the [Eldar Mythology|Eldar Gods]].{{Fn|9}} [[Cegorach]] is closely associated with the library, and may be it's creator, although for what purposes the Laughing God would build such a repository can only be guessed.{{Fn|2}}
 +
 
 +
===Fall of the Eldar===
 +
Much of the [[Eldar]]'s ancient knowledge was lost during the [[Fall of the Eldar]], with the [[Craftworld]]s being the rare exception and as they have drifted apart, this knowledge has consequently become fragmented – yet more lost each time a Craftworld has been lost over the millenia.{{Fn|1}}  
  
−
Though most often mentioned in relation to its collection of chaotic lore, the Library contains other mysteries as well. It is said that knowledge of the fate of [[Arhra]], the fallen [[Phoenix Lord]], is contained within the vast archives of the Black Library, as is the nature of ancient "star gods" and more besides.{{Fn|5b}}
+
The Library is the only source of the Eldar's knowledge concerning [[Chaos]] that has remained untouched.{{Fn|1}} Since the fall, the [[Guardian-Scribes]] have begun to collate and transcribe the Black Library's knowledge of [[Chaos]] to disseminate it among the [[Aeldari]].{{Fn|1}}
  
−
The Black Library is spoken of by Eldar as a dark Craftworld existing within the [[Webway]], far beyond the reach of the [[Imperium]]. Within are collected tomes and writings describing the Eldar's studies of the [[warp]]. These writings describe all aspects of Chaos: its perils, promises and horrors. The Library is enclosed within a nearly impenetrable psychic barrier, and is watched and maintained by its Guardian-scribes, who collate and transcribe the knowledge of the Library a task they have carried out since the Fall,{{Fn|1}} and are advised by the [[Black Library#Black Council|Black Council]]: a group of the greatest [[Farseers]] of the [[Asuryani]]. It contains not just Eldar knowledge of Chaos; any knowledge of Chaos is taken and kept within the Library, such as a copy of the [[Book of Magnus]]. It is as much a source of knowledge for those who fight Chaos as it is a vault to keep dangerous knowledge hidden and protected from those who would misuse it.{{Fn|1}}
+
[[Ahriman]] of the [[Thousand Sons]] has sought entrance to the Library for nearly ten thousand years, in his vain attempt to understand the ever changing [[Tzeentch]], Lord of Change.{{Fn|9}}
  
−
The existence of the Library is known to few, and even fewer are allowed access to it. The Library's mind defends itself, barring the weak and corruptible. Only those who have mastered the Chaos within themselves are able to enter. Only two groups come and go at will: the Human [[Illuminati]] and the [[Eldar]] [[Solitaire]]s.{{Fn|1}} [[Inquisitor]] [[Bronislaw Czevak]] gained entry once, but had to prove himself worthy to the Black Council. [[Ahriman]] of the [[Thousand Sons]] has sought entrance to the Library for almost ten thousand years, in his vain attempt to understand the ever changing [[Tzeentch]], Lord of Change. Inquisitor [[Jaq Draco]] also managed to find a way into the Black Library and steal the ''Book of the [[Rhana Dandra]]'', aka the ''Book of Fate''.{{Fn|1}}
+
===Recent History===
 +
In [[M41]],  Inquisitor Bronislaw Czevak was granted entry once he had proven himself worthy to the Black [[Council]].{{Fn|10}}
  
−
Since the [[Fall of the Eldar]], a crystal tome bounded with chains of light has rested upon an obsidian plinth at the heart of the Black Library. As fabled events came to pass — beginning with [[Ahzek Ahriman]] learning the first of those truths leading to his eventual attack on the Black Library{{Fn|5d}} and culminating with the death of the [[Maiden World]] of Dúriel{{Fn|5e}} — so those chains faded one by one until the tome opened shortly before the opening of the [[Great Rift]]. Revealed within were writings said to have been written by [[Cegorach]] itself, telling of a final act that changed utterly the tale of the Fall. Instead of the ultimate victory of Chaos, the final act tells of Cegorach's ultimate jest that would trick Slaanesh into expending all of her energies to save the Eldar instead of destroying them. How such an event could come to pass remains unclear.{{Fn|5c}}
+
[[Inquisitor]] [[Jaq Draco]] followed the [[Emperor's Tarot]] and found a way into the Black Library from which he stole the ''Book of the [[Rhana Dandra]]''.{{Fn|12}}
  
−
===Invasion===
+
====Invasion====
 
In 998.[[M41]], shortly before [[Abaddon the Despoiler]]'s [[Thirteenth Black Crusade]], [[Ahriman]] led his warband of [[Thousand Sons]] into the Webway in an effort to finally claim the Black Library. Engaging in furious battles with the [[Harlequin]]s and the [[Craftworld]]s of [[Ulthwé]] and [[Lugganath]], Ahriman advanced to within sight of the Library itself. However, several major arteries of the Webway were choked with the dead before the Chaos Marines were driven from the secret paths leading to the Library. The breach caused by the rampaging [[Sorcerer]]s was sealed. As a result, a section of the Webway was lost forever.{{Fn|4}}
 
In 998.[[M41]], shortly before [[Abaddon the Despoiler]]'s [[Thirteenth Black Crusade]], [[Ahriman]] led his warband of [[Thousand Sons]] into the Webway in an effort to finally claim the Black Library. Engaging in furious battles with the [[Harlequin]]s and the [[Craftworld]]s of [[Ulthwé]] and [[Lugganath]], Ahriman advanced to within sight of the Library itself. However, several major arteries of the Webway were choked with the dead before the Chaos Marines were driven from the secret paths leading to the Library. The breach caused by the rampaging [[Sorcerer]]s was sealed. As a result, a section of the Webway was lost forever.{{Fn|4}}
  
−
===Damage===
+
===Opening of the Great Rift===
−
Once considered inviolate, even the Black Library is not immune to the turmoil caused by the [[Great Rift|Cicatrix Maledictum]]. The opening of the Great Rift caused a section of the Library to fall completely, breached by the warp. Now in the clutches of [[Slaanesh|She who Thirsts]], that portion of the library is tainted forever, beyond the ability of even the [[White Seer|White Seers]] to cleanse.{{Fn|7b}}
+
The last lock on the [[Crystal Tome of Cegorach|Crystal Tome]] opened shortly before the opening of the [[Great Rift]].{{Fn|5e}} Revealed within were writings said to have been written by [[Cegorach]] itself, telling of a final act that changed utterly the tale of the Fall. Instead of the ultimate victory of Chaos, the final act tells of Cegorach's ultimate jest that would trick Slaanesh into expending all of her energies to save the Eldar instead of destroying them. How such an event could come to pass remains unclear.{{Fn|5c}}
  
−
===Location===
+
Even the Black Library was not immune to the turmoil caused by the [[Great Rift|Cicatrix Maledictum]]. The opening of the Great Rift caused a section of the Library to fall completely, breached by the warp. Now in the clutches of [[Slaanesh|She who Thirsts]], that portion of the library is tainted forever, beyond the ability of even the [[White Seer|White Seers]] to cleanse.{{Fn|7b}}
−
The Black Library is often described as a "dark craftworld". While this is true in the sense that it is a crafted construct, it is no more ship or lost city than a hole in the heart is the heart itself. Just as the webway is a labyrinth of psychoactive tunnels that shift and change and deceive, so does the structure of the Library. It is a labyrinth within a labyrinth.{{Fn|9}}
 
  
−
While it exists wholly within the webway, echoes of the Black Library persist within the [[materium]]. Some time after the opening of the Great Rift, the last of these traces in realspace were located at the western fringes of the [[Ghoul Stars]], within a triangle formed by the [[Grand Shrine of Asuryan]] and the [[Exodite world]]s of [[Syph]] and [[Quilan]].{{Fn|5a}}
+
==Location==
 +
While Black Library exists wholly within the [[Webway]]{{Fn|5a}} within the [[Warp]],{{Fn|11}} and echoes of the Black Library persist within the [[materium]]. Some time after the opening of the Great Rift, the last of these traces in realspace were located at the western fringes of the [[Ghoul Stars]], within a triangle formed by the [[Grand Shrine of Asuryan]] and the [[Exodite world]]s of [[Syph]] and [[Quilan]].{{Fn|5a}}
  
 
The Black Library may be accessed in several ways, including via [[Webway Gate]] and the more flamboyant [[Neverending Stair]].{{Fn|7a}}
 
The Black Library may be accessed in several ways, including via [[Webway Gate]] and the more flamboyant [[Neverending Stair]].{{Fn|7a}}
 +
 +
==Construction==
 +
The Black Library is often described as a ''"Dark [[Craftworld]]"''.{{Fn|9}} While this is true in the sense that it is an [[Artificial World]] of [[Wraithbone]] construction,{{Fn|11}} it is no more ship or lost city than a hole in the heart is the heart itself.{{fn|11}}
 +
 +
Just as the webway is a labyrinth of psychoactive tunnels that shift and change, as if each visit is a visit anew,{{Fn|9}} so does the structure of the Library – it is a labyrinth within a labyrinth.{{Fn|9}} The Library's mind defends itself, barring the weak and corruptible.{{Fn|1}}
  
 
==Black Council==
 
==Black Council==
−
The Black Council serves in an advisory role to the Guardian-scribes of the Black Library, the race's greatest [[Farseers]] drawn from several [[Craftworld]]s.{{Fn|10}}  
+
The Black Council serves in an advisory role to the [[Guardian-Scribes]] of the Black Library, the race's greatest [[Farseers]] drawn from several [[Craftworld]]s.{{Fn|10}}  
 
*[[Eldrad Ulthran]] of [[Ulthwé]],{{Fn|10}} in absentia
 
*[[Eldrad Ulthran]] of [[Ulthwé]],{{Fn|10}} in absentia
 
*[[Eiladar Ys]] of the [[Lugganath]]{{Fn|10}}
 
*[[Eiladar Ys]] of the [[Lugganath]]{{Fn|10}}
Line 35: Line 62:
 
*[[Iqbraesil]] of [[Iyanden]]{{Fn|10}}
 
*[[Iqbraesil]] of [[Iyanden]]{{Fn|10}}
 
*[[Morcan Fiorinintal]] of [[Alaitoc]]{{Fn|10}}
 
*[[Morcan Fiorinintal]] of [[Alaitoc]]{{Fn|10}}
−
 
−
==Known and Rumoured Contents==
 
−
*[[Atlas Infernal]]
 
−
*[[Book of Mournful Night]]
 
−
*[[Book of Rhana Dandra]]
 
−
*[[Cries of Isha]]
 
−
*[[Stern Codex]] (intended to be placed here)
 
−
*The [[True Name]] of the [[Emperor of Mankind]] (rumoured, as one possible location){{Fn|6}}
 
−
*[[Book of Magnus]] (copy){{Fn|8}}
 
−
*[[Daemonicus Totalus]] (copy){{Fn|8}}
 
  
 
==Sources==
 
==Sources==
Line 64: Line 81:
 
*{{Endn|9}}: [[Ahriman: Undying (Novel)]] - Prologue
 
*{{Endn|9}}: [[Ahriman: Undying (Novel)]] - Prologue
 
*{{Endn|10}}: [[Atlas Infernal (Novel)]] - Interregna IV
 
*{{Endn|10}}: [[Atlas Infernal (Novel)]] - Interregna IV
 +
*{{Endn|11}}: [[Codex: Eldar (2nd Edition)]], pg. 13
 +
*{{Endn|12}}: [[Harlequin (Novel)]], Chapters 19-20
 +
*{{Endn|13}}: [[Realm of Chaos: The Lost and the Damned]], pg. 267
  
 
===Uncited===
 
===Uncited===
 
{{Uncited}}
 
{{Uncited}}
−
*[[Warhammer 40,000: Compendium]], {{Cite This}}
 
−
*[[Realm of Chaos: The Lost and the Damned]], {{Cite This}}
 
−
*[[Harlequin (Novel)]] by [[Ian Watson]], {{Cite This}}
 
 
*[[Codex: Necrons (5th Edition)]], pg. 6
 
*[[Codex: Necrons (5th Edition)]], pg. 6
  

Revision as of 04:53, 17 December 2025

Targetdrone.gif Black Library redirects here. For the publishing subsidiary of Games Workshop, see Black Library (BL Publishing).
Guardian-Scribes of the Black Library[3]

The Black Library of Chaos (also known as just the Black Library) is the Eldar's repository of forbidden lore.[1] Knowledge of the library's existence is known to few and even fewer are allowed entry.[1] The passages to the Black Library are guarded by Harlequins, who come and go as needed from the library[9] although their Solitaires (as well as the human Illuminati) may come and go as they wish,[1] The entrances to the library itself are guarded by mythic guardians,[11] Guardian-Scribes,[1] as well as the White Seers.[7b]

Library Contents

Within the Black Library of Chaos are collected tomes and writings describing the Eldar's studies of the warp. These collected tomes, books, and codicies describe all aspects of Chaos: its blandishments, influences, forms, creatures, perils, promises and horrors.[1] The library contains not just Eldar knowledge of Chaos; any knowledge of Chaos is taken and kept within the Library,[1] such as a copy of the Book of Magnus.[13]

Though most often mentioned in relation to its collection of chaotic lore, the Library contains other mysteries as well. It is said that knowledge of the fate of Arhra, the fallen Phoenix Lord, is contained within the vast archives of the Black Library, as is the nature of ancient "Star Gods".[5b]

Since the Fall of the Eldar, a Crystal Tome bounded with chains of light has rested upon an obsidian plinth at the heart of the Black Library. As fabled events came to pass — beginning with Ahzek Ahriman learning the first of those truths leading to his eventual attack on the Black Library[5d] and culminating with the death of the Maiden World of Dúriel[5e] — so those chains faded one by one until the tome opened shortly before the opening of the Great Rift.[5e]

Known and Rumoured Works

History

Ancient History

The exact origin of the library is unclear, stories within its shelves name the Old Ones,[9] the ancient Aeldari,[9] and the [Eldar Mythology|Eldar Gods]].[9] Cegorach is closely associated with the library, and may be it's creator, although for what purposes the Laughing God would build such a repository can only be guessed.[2]

Fall of the Eldar

Much of the Eldar's ancient knowledge was lost during the Fall of the Eldar, with the Craftworlds being the rare exception and as they have drifted apart, this knowledge has consequently become fragmented – yet more lost each time a Craftworld has been lost over the millenia.[1]

The Library is the only source of the Eldar's knowledge concerning Chaos that has remained untouched.[1] Since the fall, the Guardian-Scribes have begun to collate and transcribe the Black Library's knowledge of Chaos to disseminate it among the Aeldari.[1]

Ahriman of the Thousand Sons has sought entrance to the Library for nearly ten thousand years, in his vain attempt to understand the ever changing Tzeentch, Lord of Change.[9]

Recent History

In M41, Inquisitor Bronislaw Czevak was granted entry once he had proven himself worthy to the Black Council.[10]

Inquisitor Jaq Draco followed the Emperor's Tarot and found a way into the Black Library from which he stole the Book of the Rhana Dandra.[12]

Invasion

In 998.M41, shortly before Abaddon the Despoiler's Thirteenth Black Crusade, Ahriman led his warband of Thousand Sons into the Webway in an effort to finally claim the Black Library. Engaging in furious battles with the Harlequins and the Craftworlds of Ulthwé and Lugganath, Ahriman advanced to within sight of the Library itself. However, several major arteries of the Webway were choked with the dead before the Chaos Marines were driven from the secret paths leading to the Library. The breach caused by the rampaging Sorcerers was sealed. As a result, a section of the Webway was lost forever.[4]

Opening of the Great Rift

The last lock on the Crystal Tome opened shortly before the opening of the Great Rift.[5e] Revealed within were writings said to have been written by Cegorach itself, telling of a final act that changed utterly the tale of the Fall. Instead of the ultimate victory of Chaos, the final act tells of Cegorach's ultimate jest that would trick Slaanesh into expending all of her energies to save the Eldar instead of destroying them. How such an event could come to pass remains unclear.[5c]

Even the Black Library was not immune to the turmoil caused by the Cicatrix Maledictum. The opening of the Great Rift caused a section of the Library to fall completely, breached by the warp. Now in the clutches of She who Thirsts, that portion of the library is tainted forever, beyond the ability of even the White Seers to cleanse.[7b]

Location

While Black Library exists wholly within the Webway[5a] within the Warp,[11] and echoes of the Black Library persist within the materium. Some time after the opening of the Great Rift, the last of these traces in realspace were located at the western fringes of the Ghoul Stars, within a triangle formed by the Grand Shrine of Asuryan and the Exodite worlds of Syph and Quilan.[5a]

The Black Library may be accessed in several ways, including via Webway Gate and the more flamboyant Neverending Stair.[7a]

Construction

The Black Library is often described as a "Dark Craftworld".[9] While this is true in the sense that it is an Artificial World of Wraithbone construction,[11] it is no more ship or lost city than a hole in the heart is the heart itself.[11]

Just as the webway is a labyrinth of psychoactive tunnels that shift and change, as if each visit is a visit anew,[9] so does the structure of the Library – it is a labyrinth within a labyrinth.[9] The Library's mind defends itself, barring the weak and corruptible.[1]

Black Council

The Black Council serves in an advisory role to the Guardian-Scribes of the Black Library, the race's greatest Farseers drawn from several Craftworlds.[10]

Sources

Uncited

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