Helmat Silverbeard, the founder of the Imperial College of Syran, became famous for assembling a collection of spells from the grimoires and fragmentary works of long-dead adepts, but he was also an avid collector of non-magical books. The Imperial College Library was built to house his great legacy.
Adepts of the College can learn individual spells and create corresponding talismans from various works in the college library. Some of these works (see Standard Works below) are available to all members of the school. Access to others (see Restricted Collection below) is limited, however, because of their highly dubious subject matter.
The Library also contains a vast number of non-magical reference works, which are available for use by approved Readers. These privileged individuals are mostly ex-students who failed to graduate as Adepts, but who have decided to pursue careers as scholars instead.
The College also grants Associate Reader status to the adepts and apprentices of the other three schools in Syran, granting access to the non-magical works in the library in return for an annual fee paid by their schools. It occasionally considers applications from adepts or scholars with other affiliations as well, but the rigorous acceptance criteria and expensive annual fees are too high a barrier for most.
Spells from the following works are taught as standard to members of the College, but the library contains others.
Entrancing Voice, Leap Over Obstacle, Trip Foe, and others
Brittle Blade, Wood Rot, Stone To Dust
Command Salamander, Summon Salamander, Turn Away Flames
Command Undine
Lantern Orb, Ray Of Revealing Light
Fearless Army ritual
This collection is extensive, but outsiders are only aware of a few better known works.
The Potent Alembic, a notorious work on alchemy, the practise of which is considered morally questionable (or even heretical) by most of the Churches.
The Forbidden Texts, a collection of gruesome reference works on demonology, which are rumoured to include some powerful spells.
The Crimson Journal, a crazed and mostly incoherent account of the life and works of a famous sorcerer, which is known to include a few worthy spells in addition to several highly suspect ones.