B4 Church of Delleb

The Chapel of Delleb in Verbobonc

Tucked just off the busy arteries of the Trader’s Market, the Church of Delleb looks less like a temple and more like a dignified old bookshop wedged between taller Business Quarter façades. Inside, it is a sanctuary of Reason, Intellect, and Study, dedicated to Delleb the Scholar and Scribe.

The ground floor is open to all who seek knowledge. Dusty shelves, dim lamplight, and long reading tables replace pews; priests act more as librarians and tutors than as sermon-givers. Worshippers honor Delleb by reading, copying, debating, and recording what they learn.

This modest building is the Verbobonc seat of the Order of the Enlightened Mind, the Dellebite order that works closely with Raoan scholars and other learned faiths across the Flanaess.

Appearance & Atmosphere

From the street, the chapel is a narrow, two-story stone house with tall, arched windows and a carved lintel showing an open book and phoenix-feather quill—Delleb’s holy symbol.

Inside, as described in the article:

• Dark wooden shelves groan with old tomes, scrolls, and stitched folios.
• Dim oil lamps cast warm halos over long reading tables.
• The scent of old paper, leather, and ink fills the air.

The tall interior illustration on page 3 shows the nave soaring upward like a miniature cathedral library: book-stacks climb to a shadowed ceiling, balconies lined with railings hold more shelves and tables beneath a high, bright window.

Entering the Church of Delleb

A Sanctuary of Study

Upon entering the Chapel of Delleb, you're greeted not by the austere silence of a typical church but by the comforting scent of old books. The ground floor, open to all who seek knowledge, is a testament to the worship of Delleb:

• Environment: Dusty old books line the dark wooden shelves, illuminated by dim lamplight, creating an ambiance of ancient wisdom.
• Worship Through Study: Quiet, contemplative study is encouraged, with priests serving more as librarians than traditional clergy.
• Space for Debate: For those wishing to debate theories or ideas, the second floor balcony, equipped with easy chairs and tables, provides a perfect setting.

The Community Connection

The Chapel of Delleb holds a special place in the hearts of Verbobonc's residents, from common folk to nobles:

• Local Gnomes: A significant number of local gnomes are drawn to the chapel, particularly to the second-floor workshop where they engage in creating clockwork gizmos and conducting experiments.
• Intellectual Hub: The chapel has become a crowded hub for philosophers, teachers, and those intrigued by the mysteries of the universe.

Political Stance and Influence

While primarily a place of learning and contemplation, the Chapel of Delleb subtly influences the political landscape of Verbobonc:

• Neutral Ground: Its position as a neutral ground for debate and discussion makes it a meeting place for minds from all facets of city life, including the political arena.
• Advocate for Knowledge: The chapel's commitment to spreading knowledge positions it as an advocate for education and intellectual development within the city's political discourse.

Notable Figures

Julia Fairfriend: The head priestess and librarian, Julia's charm and intelligence have attracted a diverse following to the chapel. Her ability to engage in spirited debate has made her a beloved figure among patrons.

Services Offered

• Access to Knowledge: Books covering a wide range of topics are available for viewing and can be signed out for a nominal fee.
• Support for Exploration: Julia is known to fund adventures that promise to uncover rare or lost knowledge, reflecting the chapel's mission to expand its repository of wisdom.

Rare Books Collection

Julia curates a secret collection of rare books, accessible only to the devout and her close friends, covering forbidden topics such as dark gods and secret histories.

Research and Discovery at the Chapel of Delleb

The Chapel of Delleb dedicated to th eThe Order of the Enlightened Mind, a repository of vast knowledge and ancient wisdom, offers scholars and seekers the opportunity to delve into subjects ranging from the mundane to the profoundly obscure. The time required to research a topic varies significantly, depending on the rarity and complexity of the information sought.

Timeframe for Research

• Hard to Find Subjects: Researching less common but known subjects might take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. The availability of related texts and the specificity of the inquiry play crucial roles in determining the duration.
• Very Rare Information, Prophecies, and Ancient Lore: For inquiries into ancient prophecies, obscure history, and lore, the research could extend from several weeks to months. The complexity and scant availability of sources necessitate a thorough examination of the chapel's deepest archives.

Conclusion

The Chapel of Delleb in Verbobonc is more than a mere place of worship; it is a beacon of knowledge and a cornerstone of the community. In its quiet halls, the spirit of Delleb thrives, fostering a culture of inquiry and intellect that enriches all who step through its doors.

Notable People

The head priestess/librarian is Julia Fairfriend (Clr 4). She seems very unlikely in her roll (not the quiet, reserved, contemplative person associated with this church), but a stunning woman who is very friendly. Her charm is matched by her intelligence, and debate skills. She is known to debate theory into the wee hours of the night with patrons on the balcony. She is solely credited with increasing her churches flock (usually consists of love-struck young men). She is usually very friendly, but she has a certain ‘sore spot’ for the drunken sailors who disturb or wander into the church.

Adventure Hooks

• Commissioned Research: Julia offers to reduce or waive research fees if the PCs agree to fetch a specific text or tablet rumored to lie in an old Suel ruin, bandit hoard, or Temple outpost.
• The Missing Manuscript: A rare, controversial treatise—normally locked in the basement vault—has vanished. Was it stolen, or did a nervous patron persuade a junior priest to break the rules?
• Debate at Midnight: A heated argument on the balcony about Verbobonc’s response to rising cult activity draws the party in. Various factions (Raoan diplomats, Zilchite financiers, a visiting Cuthbertine) try to recruit the PCs to prove their position correct in the field.
• Dark God in the Footnotes: While researching, the party finds a marginal note in a mundane history that points directly at a censored volume in the rare-book vault—one concerning the Temple of Elemental Evil or a forgotten demon cult. Gaining access will require Julia’s trust, a formal argument before senior clergy, or a risky break-in.