Plane of Knowledge

Within the Plane of Knowledge, the city state of New Tanaan exists beyond all normal physical and political boundaries and is a haven for knowledge and those who seek it. An elected council governs New Tanaan from the top chamber of the Great Library, though most of its members are too preoccupied with study, planar expeditions, and pet projects to be bothered with civic tasks.

Most travelers use New Tanaan as a waypoint in a longer journey. It is a place to gather information, peruse rare books, visit guildhalls, check in with guildmasters, and sharpen the tools of ones trade. In spite of the fact that crime is almost non-existent, the citizens of New Tanaan fund a local militia that maintains law and order.

The city of Tanaan was founded hundreds of years ago by travelers to the Great Library who developed housing and amenities to serve them during their stay. As years passed, the town outgrew its simple roots as an enclave for scholars and blossomed into the full-sized city of New Tanaan. Three hundred and twelve years ago, New Tanaan elected a council and declared itself to be an independent, neutral city state. The origins of the Great Library itself are lost in the folds of time, but it has stood in the center of the Plane of Knowledge for as long as written histories have been kept.

The city is divided into three districts – Kartis, the dark district; Tanaan, the neutral district; and Selia, the light district. Peace reigns throughout the city, enforced by magic that prevents anyone from wielding a weapon or casting harmful spells. Visitors from all of Norrath walk the streets, debate ideas, explore the Great Library, and trade goods in the markets. The districts are open to everyone, regardless of race or preferred deity.

One of New Tanaan's primary functions is to act as a travel hub between Norrath and the deeper planes. The recently opened gateways to all of Norrath's major cities have brought countless new visitors to the city, intent on finding adventure.

Gateways to Norrath are dispersed about town. Portals to Neriak, Grobb, Oggok, the Overthere, and Cabilis are located in the dark district. The portals to Felwithe, Kelethin, Kaladim, and Rivervale can be found in the light district, while the neutral district includes portals to Freeport, Halas, Qeynos, Ak'anon, Firiona Vie, the Great Divide and The Nexus. In the neutral district, planar level adventurers will also find a channel to the Plane of Tranquility, where they can begin their exploration of the astral planes.

Geographically, New Tanaan is built around the Great Library, with the dark and light districts on opposite sides of the city. The Great Library is a solid, ancient structure with an elegant yet enduring feel. It dominates the skyline of the city, presenting a stark contrast to the shops and houses surrounding it. A vast marketplace fills the square adjacent to the Great Library, where merchants peddle their wares from tents, stalls, and wood-fronted shops.