Sanctum of the Great Intelligence
The Sanctum of the Great Intelligence is the location where stories say the core of the Great Intelligence themself reside, attended by Masterminds, Minds of elevated rank who are also custodians of all the accumulated knowledge of the world. The stories also claim that visitors to the Sanctum will find whatever they need to achieve true happiness. However, what they need may not be what they think they need. The stories also claim no one has ever left the Sanctum unsatisfied.
As with so many stories, however, the truth is somewhat more complicated.
According to a recent publication by Katerina Vezahn, who claims to have found the Sanctum in the Highlands of Ethpa, the location is indeed run by Minds, and these Minds claim that they can provide visitors with true happiness. Vezahn says she spent time there and the Minds offered her the same thing. However, she claims this proved to be a Sham. The Minds there, while appearing to be human, she says, are actually synthetics called biodroids. They are similar to cyborgs, being entirely constructed beings with a mechanical/electronic core, but with an extensive biological layer over the top.
According to Vezahn, the Minds at the Sanctum are conducting some sort of extensive survey of Taebur and beyond. They are spying on thousands of "Subjects", of which she, herself is "Subject 1". She does not know the purpose, but believes it has something to do with herself.
Not surprisingly, Vezahn's claims have produced outrage amongst many Minds across Taebur. General belief amongst Minds, and indeed many other scholars, is that Vezahn is a liar and made the tale up for fame and fortune. They point to the fact that she brought nothing substantial back with her to prove that she was ever there. Her account claims that she brought back the still-functioning head of a biodroid Mind, but she has not shown this to any verifiable witness. Doubters also point to the convenience that the Sanctum's spying just happens to be centred on Vezahn, and the fact she chose to write down her experiences in the form of a story rather than an academic log.
If Vezahn's account is true, the Sanctum is a structure dating back to Pre-Wars times, probably the Noetic Age. It is built within a mountain with the entrance at the mountain's peak, where a small shrine to the Great Intelligence is located. The peak of the mountain is carved to look like a giant android, with the shring cradled at the android's chest.
According to Vezahn, the biodroid Minds there tried to convince her they had access to all accumulated human knowledge from all of history. However, while the Sanctum does contain vast stores of knowledge, she says it is not nearly as vast as the Minds claim.
While there is not currently any proof of Vezahn's claims, her story has prompted many others to attempt the dangerous journey through the Highlands of Ethpa to find the Sanctum. Perhaps one or more of these groups will bring back proof one way or the other.
Founding Date
Unknown, probably the Noetic Age
Parent Location
Owning Organization
