Assistant Shelves

The bookshelf has a small dark metallic orb about 2 inches across built in to the top of the frame. The orb is decorated with various arcane glyphs and patterns which have been inlaid with mithril. This orb functions similarly to a docent with properties described below.

Sentience. A docent is a sentient item of any alignment with an Intelligence of 16, a Wisdom of 14, and a Charisma of 14. It perceives the world from the orb and has darkvision out to a range of 60 feet. It communicates verbally with the voice emanating from the orb.

Languages. The docent knows Common, Elvish, and 1d4 additional languages chosen by the DM. It can learn a new language after it has been allowed to study books in that language which it can translate, or if someone takes the time to teach it. The docent learns languages at the same rate as a humanoid would.

Skills. The docent has a +5 bonus to the following skills: Arcana, History, Religion, and Nature. Additionally, the docent has a +4 bonus to Medicine.

Spells. The docent can cast the Mage Hand cantrip at will, and can cast the Comprehend Languages spell 3 times per day, regaining any expended charges at dawn.

Personality. A docent is designed to advise and assist the owner of the bookshelf in their endeavours. One of the simple functions of a docent is to serve as a translator, but it also reads the contents of books on its shelves when it isn't otherwise being engaged. Whilst reading it uses the Mage Hand spell to hold the book up to the orb. The docent’s properties are under its control, and if you have a bad relationship with your docent, it might refuse to assist you. Assuming the docent likes you then it will assist you in any research you undertake and happily discuss the contents of any books it has managed to read or knowledge which has been shared with it.