SableSage

The stronghold of SableSage, the venerable heart of the Kepeshkmolik clan, stands resolute and imposing on the shores of Dragon Tooth Bay, on the storied Isle of Skaven. It is a manifestation of the clan’s spirit and values, a fortress dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge, healing, and scholarly excellence.
Architecture: The architecture of SableSage is a reflection of the Kepeshkmolik’s affinity for both strength and wisdom. The stronghold is crafted from black volcanic stone, hewn from the very bedrock of the isle, giving it a dark, formidable appearance that seems to absorb the light. Its high walls are punctuated with ramparts and towers, etched with intricate silver filigree that represents the lineage and achievements of the clan. These markings glint with a spectral luster against the stronghold’s dark façade, particularly under the moonlight, giving the impression of a silent guardian resting in the embrace of the night.
The Great Library: At the heart of SableSage lies the Great Library, a vast chamber with vaulted ceilings, where the echoes of contemplative silence resonate. Here, shelves upon shelves rise like mountain ranges, laden with ancient tomes, scrolls, and manuscripts. Some books are bound in weathered leathers and strange cloths, while others are encased in protective wards and enchantments. The library is not merely a storage of knowledge; it is a sacred grove of learning, where the lineage of the clan’s scholars is preserved and celebrated.

The Sage Halls: Flanking the Great Library are the Sage Halls, classrooms, and lecture spaces where the esteemed teachers of the Kepeshkmolik instruct eager minds. These halls are designed to be places of communal learning, with open spaces that encourage discourse and debate. The walls are often adorned with artifacts and relics, each with its own story and lesson, serving as both decoration and didactic tools.
The Healing Wing: SableSage is also home to a renowned Healing Wing, where the clan’s healers practice their art. This part of the stronghold exudes a calming aura, with tranquil water features and gardens that harness the restorative properties of nature. The air is laced with the gentle scent of medicinal herbs, and the soothing sounds of chimes and soft incantations provide comfort to the ailing.
The Vaults: Beneath the stronghold, secured by ancient magics and physical locks, are the Vaults. Here, the most dangerous and powerful knowledge is kept under strict guard, accessible only to the highest echelons of the clan’s scholars and, on rare occasions, to those deemed worthy by the Council of Sages.
The Tower of Adohr: A spiraling tower known as the Tower of Adohr is the stronghold’s most distinct feature, named in homage to the clan’s patron deity. The tower serves as both an observatory and a place of private meditation for those seeking divine inspiration. Its pinnacle offers a panoramic view of the surrounding lands and the celestial dome above, reminding all of the clan's place within the greater tapestry of creation.
The Council Chambers: The Council Chambers is where the Council of Sages convenes to discuss the clan's future and make decisions of importance. A round, stone table dominates the center, surrounded by seats of obsidian and silver, each carved with the symbol of a past sage, symbolizing the wisdom upon which current decisions must be built.
Living Quarters: The living quarters of SableSage are practical yet comfortable, reflecting the clan’s modest values. Members of the clan dwell in rooms that are furnished to meet their needs, with communal areas designed to foster a sense of brotherhood and collective well-being.
Training Grounds: While scholarship is the stronghold’s soul, the training grounds are its beating heart. Here, the clan’s warriors practice martial disciplines, ensuring they are prepared to defend their home and knowledge. These grounds are also a space for physical education, where the clan’s youth learn the importance of strength and discipline as complements to intellectual growth.
SableSage is not merely a fortress of stone and magic; it is a living testament to the Kepeshkmolik clan’s dedication to the ideals of wisdom, healing, and the pursuit of knowledge. Within its walls, every scale, every stone, and every chamber echoes the clan’s illustrious history and its unwavering commitment to the light of understanding in a world fraught with shadows.

Government

The governance of SableSage, like the stronghold itself, is entrenched in the principles of wisdom and collaborative guidance, reflective of the Kepeshkmolik clan's veneration of knowledge and order. The government is structured to balance authority with scholarly pursuit, ensuring that leadership is informed by the same quest for understanding that guides their daily lives.
The Clan Chief: At the head of the government sits the Clan Chief, Valthrun the Learned, whose role is to lead with both wisdom and authority. The Clan Chief is not only a ruler but also a symbol of the clan's unity and their commitment to their patron deity, Adohr. Clan Chiefs are selected based on merit, scholarly achievements, and their ability to lead the clan in accordance with its values. They are responsible for the overall well-being of the clan and the stronghold, including diplomatic relations, defense, and the upholding of traditions.
The Council of Sages: Supporting the Clan Chief is the Council of Sages, a group of the most esteemed scholars and healers in the clan. They act as advisors, policy makers, and executors of the clan's educational and healing initiatives. Each Sage is a specialist in their field, offering a wealth of knowledge that ensures the clan's decisions are well-rounded and informed. The council is involved in everything from curating the contents of the Great Library to overseeing the rigorous educational programs of the stronghold.
The Assembly of Elders: Below the Council of Sages is the Assembly of Elders, consisting of respected members of the clan who have proven their worth and dedication over the years. These individuals are not active scholars but are recognized for their experience and practical wisdom. The Assembly has a more hands-on role in the day-to-day administration of SableSage and is responsible for the implementation of the Council's decisions, mediation of disputes, and management of resources.
The Enclave of Healers: The Enclave of Healers is a specialized body within the government focused on health and well-being. They manage the Healing Wing, conduct research into new methods of healing, and maintain the medicinal gardens. Their influence extends beyond the stronghold, as they also provide aid to the Isle of Skaven, reinforcing the clan's reputation as premier healers.
The Magisterium: The Magisterium is a collective of magic practitioners within the clan who oversee the magical defenses of SableSage, the creation and maintenance of wards and enchantments, and the education of the clan's magic users. This group works closely with the Council of Sages to ensure that the use of magic aligns with the clan's ethical standards and the teachings of Adohr.
The Sentinels: Although not a governing body, the Sentinels are an integral part of the stronghold's structure. They are the elite protectors of SableSage, trained warriors who ensure the security of the stronghold. They work in conjunction with the government to enact defense strategies and maintain order.
The Scholar's Assembly: Lastly, there is the Scholar's Assembly, a more democratic representation of the clan's academic community. This group includes representatives from various educational and scholarly pursuits within SableSage. They advocate for the academic needs of the clan, suggest new avenues of research, and act as a liaison between the student body and the higher echelons of the clan's governance.
The governance of SableSage is a reflection of the Kepeshkmolik's dedication to a life guided by knowledge and tempered by wisdom. It is a complex but harmonious system where the quest for understanding does not end with scholarly achievements but extends into the very fabric of societal structure and leadership.

Defences

SableSage, the stronghold of the Kepeshkmolik clan, is fortified by a blend of traditional martial defenses and arcane protections that reflect the clan's martial prowess and deep affinity for magic and knowledge. The defenses are multi-layered, designed not just to repel invaders but also to control the flow of knowledge and secrets that are the true power of the clan.
Physical Defenses:
The Outer Walls: Towering and robust, made from the darkest stones of the Isle of Skaven, the walls are designed to withstand siege weapons and hostile magic. The ramparts are manned by Sentinels, the clan's elite warriors, who vigilantly watch for any threat.
The Gatehouse: As the main entry point into SableSage, the gatehouse is a formidable structure with heavy doors made of reinforced ironwood and enchanted metals. Portcullises and murder holes allow defenders to secure the entrance against forced entry.
Battlements: These are strategically placed to provide archers and spellcasters with vantage points to rain down arrows and spells upon attackers, while crenellations offer them cover.
The Moat: Surrounding the stronghold is a wide and deep moat filled with brackish water from Dragon Tooth Bay, potentially home to natural sea creatures that serve as additional deterrents.
Towers and Keeps: The towers are fortified with their own defenses and serve as strongpoints that can hold out even if other areas are compromised. The keeps house barracks, armories, and are capable of being sealed off from the rest of the stronghold.
Magical Defenses:
Warding Spells: SableSage is protected by layers of powerful warding spells that deter scrying, teleportation, and other forms of magical intrusion. These wards are maintained by the Magisterium and are regularly updated to counter new magical threats.
Elemental Guardians: Summoned or constructed elemental beings patrol the stronghold and its surroundings. They are bound to the clan's service, acting as a first line of magical defense against attackers.

Enchanted Constructs: Golems and other magical constructs, crafted by the clan's most skilled artificers and enchanters, stand sentinel in key locations, activated by the presence of unauthorized intruders.
Arcane Artillery: Ballistae and catapults enchanted with spells can hurl projectiles infused with destructive magic, capable of devastating enemy ranks and breaching the magic of enemy casters.
Mystical Barriers: At strategic points, magical barriers can be raised to block passages, isolate sections of the stronghold, or trap invaders, effectively segmenting the fortress during an assault.
Intelligent Defenses:
The Sentinels: Trained in both martial and arcane arts, these elite guards are the intelligent core of SableSage's defense, capable of rapid response and empowered to use lethal force to protect the stronghold's secrets.
The Council of Sages: In times of dire need, the council can pool their vast magical knowledge to cast ancient and powerful spells that can protect or even conceal the entire stronghold.
Surveillance and Espionage: A network of spies and scouts keeps the clan informed of potential threats, allowing them to prepare or thwart invasions before they even reach the walls.
Strategic Alliances: The clan maintains alliances with other powerful entities and clans, ensuring that an attack on SableSage would have wider political and military repercussions.
Emergency Protocols: In the event of a breach, the clan has a series of contingency plans that include the sealing of the ancient vault, evacuation routes for non-combatants, and fail-safes that could involve collapsing certain areas to create choke points.
The combination of these formidable defenses ensures that SableSage stands as a bastion of Kepeshkmolik power. It's a symbol of the clan's enduring legacy and a reminder of their commitment to protecting their knowledge, their people, and their way of life.

Industry & Trade

SableSage, as the stronghold of the scholarly Kepeshkmolik clan, has a unique economy that focuses heavily on the industries of knowledge, arcane research, and healing. However, it also incorporates more traditional forms of industry and trade that support these intellectual endeavors and the daily needs of its inhabitants.
Primary Industries:
Scholarship and Education: The backbone of SableSage's industry is its emphasis on academic pursuits. The sale of scholarly services, including tutoring, lecturing, and consulting, forms a significant portion of the economy.
Magical Research and Enchanting: With a prestigious magical college and numerous arcane workshops, SableSage is a leader in the creation of magical items, enchantments, and potions, which are highly sought after in markets both local and abroad.
Healing and Alchemy: The clan's renowned healers and alchemists offer their services for a fee, catering to those who come seeking cures for ailments that mundane medicine cannot treat. They also produce potions, salves, and other alchemical goods for sale.
Manufacturing: SableSage has workshops that produce a variety of goods, from weaponry and armor to more mundane items like clothing and tools. While these goods are often functional, many also bear the distinctive craftsmanship and magical enhancements that are the hallmark of Dragonborn artisans.
Agriculture and Fishing: To sustain its population, SableSage engages in agriculture, benefiting from the fertile lands around Dragon Tooth Bay. Fishing is also a vital industry, with the bounty of the bay providing both food and trade goods.
Trade:
Export of Knowledge and Magical Services: Scrolls, books, magical artifacts, and potions are regularly exported to various markets. In return, the clan imports rare ingredients, exotic texts, and magical components.
Local Trade: SableSage has a thriving local market where residents exchange goods and services. While many of its citizens are involved in the higher pursuits of magic and philosophy, there remains a need for more prosaic goods.
Artisan Goods: Dragonborn craftsmanship is highly valued, and the items produced by SableSage's artisans are no exception. These goods are often traded with neighboring settlements and far-off lands.
Sea Trade: Given its location on Dragon Tooth Bay, SableSage has a natural harbor that facilitates trade by sea. The clan operates a fleet of ships that trade up and down the coast, exchanging local products for goods from other lands.
Scholarly Exchanges: SableSage engages in intellectual trade in the form of scholarly exchanges, hosting academics from other regions in return for the opportunity to send its own scholars abroad to learn and teach.
Magical Pacts and Alliances: Some of the trade is less tangible, involving the exchange of magical services, such as wards, healing, and divination, for other forms of support or goods that can be of benefit to the clan.
Trade Regulations and Practices:
Trade Guilds: Several guilds regulate the quality and commerce of goods within SableSage, ensuring that trade practices remain fair and that the items meet the high standards expected by both the clan and its trade partners.
Security: Given the value of many of the items traded, particularly magical and scholarly works, security is paramount. Trade caravans and ships are well-guarded, and transactions involving sensitive items are closely monitored.
Currency and Barter: While coin is certainly used within SableSage, barter is also common, especially when dealing with more abstract commodities like knowledge or magical services.
Overall, the industry and trade of SableSage are marked by a unique blending of the intellectual and the material, with the stronghold serving as both a bastion of learning and a center of commerce in the region. The economy reflects the values and strengths of the Kepeshkmolik clan, reinforcing their status as both scholars and shrewd traders.

Infrastructure

SableSage, the bulwark of erudition and healing for the Kepeshkmolik clan, is a paragon of infrastructure meticulously designed to serve the multifaceted needs of a society deeply rooted in scholarship and divinity.
Defensive Structures: SableSage is fortified with robust defensive measures reflective of its residents' martial prowess and magical aptitude. The outer walls, crafted from the Isle of Skaven's dense, black volcanic stone, stand impervious to conventional siege weapons. Guard towers are strategically placed, providing a clear view for sentinels to observe the bay and surrounding areas. Additionally, enchantments woven into the architecture repel invaders and protect against hostile magic.
Library and Archives: The heart of SableSage's intellectual pursuit is its vast library, home to countless volumes of ancient lore. Climate-controlled rooms protect delicate parchments and rare texts. Some areas of the library are accessible only through magical or intellectual challenge, ensuring that the most dangerous knowledge remains out of reach to those without the wisdom to wield it.
Educational Facilities: The stronghold houses numerous halls and amphitheaters dedicated to education and discourse. These spaces are acoustically optimized for clear communication and equipped with magical artifacts that assist in illustrative teaching, such as enchanted models of the cosmos or historical events that can be summoned for students to observe and interact with.
Healing Wing: The Healing Wing's infrastructure is a testament to the clan's dedication to the well-being of all. Pristine, well-lit chambers equipped with the latest alchemical and medicinal instruments provide care for the physically and magically afflicted. Serene gardens and recuperation rooms allow for healing in conjunction with natural elements, fostering a holistic recovery environment.
Magical Infrastructure: SableSage's magical infrastructure is both overt and subtle. Runes and sigils are etched into doorways and corridors, providing light, warmth, or coolness depending on the exterior climate. The stronghold's magical college boasts specialized labs and containment rooms designed for the safe practice and study of high-level magic.
Residential Quarters: Living quarters for clan members range from communal dormitories for students and acolytes to private chambers for sages and esteemed members. The design favors simplicity and functionality, with spaces allocated for private study and meditation. Even in these personal areas, the integration of knowledge is evident, with built-in bookshelves and study nooks.
Transportation and Logistics: Internal transit within SableSage is facilitated by a series of lifts and pulleys, particularly for accessing the higher or underground levels, aiding in the transport of books, supplies, and individuals who require assistance. Externally, well-maintained roads connect the stronghold to various parts of the island, and docks allow for travel and trade by sea.
Utilities and Maintenance: Water for SableSage is supplied through a series of aqueducts and rainwater collection systems, with purification spells ensuring its potability. Waste management is handled through a combination of natural decomposition processes and magical disintegration to maintain hygiene and health standards. Regular maintenance of the stronghold's physical and magical infrastructure is performed by a dedicated team of artisans and mages.
Security Measures: Apart from the physical might of the Sentinels, SableSage employs various security measures. Magical wards detect unauthorized entry, and golems or summoned guardians are placed in critical locations. The most sacred and secret of the clan's possessions, such as rare tomes or dangerous artifacts, are kept in the Vaults, which are secured by puzzles and enchantments that only the highest-ranking members of the clan can bypass.
Sacred Sites: The Tower of Adohr is not just a repository of religious importance but also serves as a focal point for the magical energies that converge upon SableSage. Its spiraling architecture is designed to channel divine inspiration and is the centerpiece for religious observances and festivals.
Communal Areas: Plazas and dining halls provide spaces where clan members gather for meals, social interaction, and public announcements, reinforcing the community's solidarity. These areas are designed to accommodate large numbers and are often the stage for celebrations, ceremonies, and communal decision-making.
In essence, SableSage is a bastion that mirrors the very ethos of the Kepeshkmolik clan—where the pursuit of knowledge is enshrined in stone and enchantment, and where the infrastructure itself is a living curriculum for those who walk its hallowed halls.

Districts

In SableSage, a stronghold designed with both security and the pursuit of knowledge in mind, there are areas that are accessible to visitors, as well as those that are restricted to members of the Kepeshkmolik clan and select individuals. District Open to Wanderers:
The Scholar's Promenade: The most accessible district for outsiders is the Scholar's Promenade. It is an area where travelers, seekers of wisdom, and those in need of healing can come to exchange ideas, seek the counsel of the clan's sages, and access a limited section of the public archives and libraries. The Promenade is lined with public lecture halls, open forums, and a marketplace where books, scrolls, potions, and curios of an educational nature are bought and sold. The Enclave of Healers also operates a public infirmary here, serving those who come seeking the renowned healing expertise of the Kepeshkmolik.
The Harborfront: Given its location on Dragon Tooth Bay, a portion of the harborfront is accessible to traders and travelers. Here, local goods and knowledge can be exchanged, and it serves as a controlled interaction point with the outside world. The harborfront is watched over by the Sentinels, ensuring that while commerce and communication are allowed, the security of SableSage remains uncompromised.
Formal and Informal Subdivisions of Power:
Formal Subdivisions:
The Clan Chief's Seat: The highest formal authority in SableSage rests with the Clan Chief, who wields executive power over the stronghold's governance, security, and external affairs.
The Council of Sages: This body of learned individuals wields significant formal power, particularly in educational, spiritual, and policy-making decisions. Each Sage typically oversees a specific domain of knowledge or aspect of clan life.
The Assembly of Elders: A more conventional governing body that deals with practical matters of daily life and local disputes. They wield judicial and administrative power and ensure the laws and traditions of the clan are upheld.
The Enclave of Healers: Formally, this group has authority over medical practices, public health, and the maintenance of the Healing Wing. They also oversee the education of new healers and apothecaries.
The Magisterium: This magical conclave not only trains mages but also controls the creation and maintenance of magical defenses and infrastructure. They have authority over all matters arcane within SableSage.
Informal Subdivisions:
The Scholars' Collective: While not holding formal power, this group of academics, philosophers, and junior sages has considerable influence on the direction of research and the academic focus of the stronghold. They often influence the Council of Sages through advice and scholarly debate.
The Sentinels: As the military arm of SableSage, the Sentinels command respect and authority. Though they do not engage in governance, their role in security and defense gives them a significant informal influence, especially in times of crisis.
The Trade Consortium: A group of merchants and harbor masters who, while not part of the official power structure, wield economic power through their control of trade and resources coming into and going out of SableSage.
The Artisans Guild: This guild includes craftsmen, builders, and enchanters responsible for much of the physical and magical infrastructure. They have a significant impact on the development and maintenance of the stronghold, giving them informal influence in decisions related to construction and urban planning.
The balance between these formal and informal powers ensures that SableSage operates smoothly, with each subdivision contributing to the stability and prosperity of the stronghold. While the Chieftain and the Council of Sages make high-level decisions, the day-to-day running and future developments are influenced by a wide array of individuals, each bringing their expertise and interests to bear on the clan's governance.

Assets

The Kepeshkmolik clan, deeply rooted in scholarly pursuit, healing, and teaching, boasts a range of assets that underscore its status and influence within the Isle of Skaven and beyond. Their assets are not only material but also cultural, intellectual, and spiritual, reflecting the broad spectrum of their society's endeavors.
Material Assets:
SableSage Stronghold: As the clan's primary seat of power, SableSage is an imposing fortress that serves as a center for learning, healing, and religious observance. Its architecture and defenses make it a formidable asset in terms of security and prestige.
Libraries and Archives: Containing vast collections of scrolls, tomes, and texts that encompass centuries of accumulated knowledge, the libraries are the clan’s treasure troves of intellectual wealth.
The Ancient Vault: Deep within SableSage lies an ancient vault where the most dangerous and powerful books are stored. This vault is protected by complex wards and guardians, ensuring that its contents are accessible only to those with the highest authority and wisdom.
Educational Institutions: Various academies, colleges, and schools within the stronghold specialize in different fields of study, including philosophy, magic, history, and the natural sciences.
The Magical College: Founded by the clan, this college is a hub for arcane research and education, and it is an asset that attracts students and magicians from far and wide, fostering the clan's reputation as leaders in magical instruction.
The Healing Wing: The Healing Wing is a sophisticated medical facility equipped with the latest in both mundane and magical healing practices, making it an invaluable asset for the clan and a beacon of hope for the sick and injured.
Harbor and Fleet: Dragon Tooth Bay provides a natural harbor for the clan's ships, facilitating trade, transportation, and naval defense.
Artisan Workshops: The skilled artisans of the clan produce fine goods that are both functional and magical in nature, providing economic strength and trade opportunities.
Natural Resources: The Isle of Skaven offers a bounty of natural resources, including rare herbs, minerals, and perhaps elements conducive to powerful enchantments, all of which contribute to the clan's wealth and self-sufficiency.
Intellectual and Cultural Assets:
Scholars and Sages: Renowned thinkers and philosophers contribute to the cultural wealth of the clan, ensuring its reputation as a center of enlightenment.
Healers and Alchemists: Experts in medicinal practices, these individuals not only serve the health of the clan but also contribute to the broader medical knowledge of the world.
Religious Influence: Devotion to Adohr, the god of knowledge, grants the clan a moral and cultural authority that extends into their teachings and philosophical outlooks.
Reputation: The clan's renown as educators, healers, and scholars is perhaps its most intangible yet significant asset, attracting both allies and those who seek the clan's knowledge and services.
Magical Prowess: With a magical college at its heart, the clan's collective knowledge and capability in the arcane arts are formidable assets that can be utilized for defense, education, and the betterment of society.
Spiritual Assets:
Relics and Artifacts: The clan is believed to possess a number of sacred relics and artifacts, some of which may be tied to the worship of Adohr or even to the dragon Huldrassyt The Gifted One, adding to the clan's spiritual depth and power.
Ritual Sites: Places within SableSage and on the Isle of Skaven that hold significant spiritual power, often used for ceremonies and rituals to honor Adohr and other aspects of their faith.
The Gift of Huldrassyt: The legacy and perhaps lingering magical essence of the ancient black dragon who founded the clan could be considered a spiritual asset that continues to influence and inspire the clan members.
These assets collectively fortify the Kepeshkmolik clan's status and influence, providing it with the means to continue its quest for knowledge, aid those in need, and uphold the cultural and intellectual traditions that have defined it for generations.

Guilds and Factions

SableSage, as a center of knowledge and learning under the auspices of the Kepeshkmolik clan, hosts a variety of guilds and factions that cater to its diverse interests and industries. These organizations help to structure the daily life of the stronghold, offering guidance, education, and governance in their respective areas of expertise.
Guilds of SableSage:
The Scholars’ Circle: This guild encompasses the sages, historians, and researchers of SableSage. It regulates the academic standards, oversees the publication of scholarly works, and maintains the integrity of the vast libraries. Members of this guild are often seen in the higher echelons of the clan's decision-making process due to their vast knowledge.
The Enchanters’ Consortium: Specializing in the creation and study of magical items, the Enchanters’ Consortium is vital to the economic success of SableSage. This guild sets the standards for magical crafting and ensures that all magical items produced are safe and adhere to the laws of the land.
The Healers’ Conclave: This body governs the medical practitioners and alchemists within SableSage. It organizes the distribution of medical supplies, the training of new healers, and the regulation of alchemical recipes to prevent misuse.
The Artificers’ League: This guild is responsible for the non-magical crafts and engineering projects in SableSage. It includes blacksmiths, stonemasons, and carpenters, who contribute to the stronghold’s infrastructure and defenses.
The Maritime Coalition: Dragon Tooth Bay provides bountiful resources and trade opportunities. The Maritime Coalition is composed of fishermen, sailors, and traders who manage the bay's resources and the comings and goings of trade ships.
The Agriculturists’ Order: Overseeing the farming activities and ensuring food security for SableSage, this guild works on crop rotation, breeding programs for livestock, and innovations in farming techniques.
Factions within SableSage:
The Magisterium: A group of the most powerful mages in SableSage, the Magisterium focuses on the study and governance of arcane knowledge. They act as advisers on matters of magical security and are involved in the education of apprentice mages.
The Sentinels: As the martial arm of the stronghold, the Sentinels are sworn to protect SableSage. They are well-trained warriors who also serve as a police force, enforcing the laws set forth by the clan and the guilds.
The Philosophers’ Assembly: A faction devoted to ethics, metaphysics, and the greater mysteries of life. They often serve as mediators and moral guides, influencing the clan's philosophical and theological stances.
The Archivists: Guardians of knowledge, the Archivists maintain the records, scrolls, and books of SableSage. They are librarians, historians, and curators, some of whom guard the secrets of the ancient vault.
The Seekers: Adventurers and explorers funded by the clan to bring back new knowledge, artifacts, and magical wonders to SableSage. They are often seen as the eyes and ears of the clan in the wider world.
Relationships and Dynamics:
The interplay between these guilds and factions can be both collaborative and competitive. The Enchanters’ Consortium might rely on the Artificers’ League for physical components, while the Healers’ Conclave might debate with the Philosophers’ Assembly over ethical implications of new healing methods. The Maritime Coalition could find themselves at odds with the Agriculturists’ Order over resource allocations, and the Magisterium might seek the counsel of the Scholars’ Circle on matters of ancient lore.
Trade and communication between these guilds and factions are regulated through a council where representatives meet to discuss the stronghold's well-being, ensuring that each guild and faction's interests are heard and negotiated. This council helps maintain a delicate balance, keeping the stronghold thriving and the clan's focus on knowledge and wisdom at the forefront of all endeavors.

History

The history of SableSage is one marked by a continuous pursuit of knowledge and the steadfast resolve of its protectors, the Dragonborn of the Kepeshkmolik clan. Its chronicles are not just records of time but also the embodiment of the clan's evolution and its enduring legacy.
Founding:

SableSage’s roots can be traced back to the era when Huldrassyt the Gifted One, the ancient black chromatic dragon, first surveyed the Isle of Skaven. Seeing the potential in the sheltered cove that would become Dragon Tooth Bay, Huldrassyt claimed the land and its surrounding environs.
The first stones of SableSage were laid by the dragon's loyal followers, the progenitors of the Kepeshkmolik clan. Inspired by Huldrassyt’s vast knowledge, the stronghold was conceived not as a mere fortress but as a haven for scholars and a bastion for the protection and growth of wisdom.
The Age of Foundations:
The early years were marked by the construction of the stronghold’s essential structures: the great walls, the central keep, and the first of its many famed libraries. Dragonborn masons and architects, guided by the dragon’s inscrutable designs, created a fortress that was both imposing and elegant, embodying the strength and wisdom of its founders.
The Scholars’ Era:
As the stronghold grew, so did its reputation as a center for learning. The establishment of the first academy within SableSage marked the beginning of the Scholars’ Era. It was during this period that the Kepeshkmolik clan began to foster the growth of knowledge, drawing scholars, philosophers, and healers from across the lands.
The Arcane Awakening:
The discovery of potent ley lines beneath the island ushered in an age of magical prowess. With the dragon Huldrassyt providing insight into the arcane arts, the clan established the prestigious magical college that would become one of the central pillars of SableSage. Here, the Dragonborn delved into the mysteries of magic, intertwining it with their already robust scholarly pursuits.
The Dark Tides:
Not all was serene, however. The Isle of Skaven, rich in resources and knowledge, attracted the covetous gazes of marauders and rival factions. SableSage faced several sieges, but its walls never fell. The Kepeshkmolik clan, along with their elemental allies summoned from the depths of the bay, defended their home with fierce determination.
The Enlightenment Expansion:
Following the repulsion of the Dark Tides, the leaders of SableSage initiated a period of openness, sharing their wisdom with surrounding lands and in return, gaining access to new forms of knowledge. This exchange bolstered the stronghold’s resources and allowed for the expansion of its libraries and the diversification of its academic disciplines.
The Modern Age:
In contemporary times, SableSage has continued to flourish. Its current iteration is a marvel of Dragonborn craftsmanship, magical architecture, and scholarly achievements. The stronghold has become a cultural hub, where festivals celebrating both the martial prowess of its protectors and the intellectual feats of its scholars are commonplace.
Present Day:
Now, SableSage stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Kepeshkmolik clan. It is not only a fortress but a living library, a center of healing, and a beacon of knowledge on the Isle of Skaven. The ruling council, alongside the current clan chief, Valthrun the Learned, continues to uphold the principles of Adohr, the god of knowledge, guiding the stronghold into a future where the pursuit of wisdom remains the highest ideal.

Architecture

SableSage is an architectural marvel, a testament to the grandeur of Dragonborn craftsmanship intertwined with magical enhancement, embodying the Kepeshkmolik clan's dedication to knowledge, wisdom, and strength. Its structures are designed not only for utility but also as a physical representation of their values and history.
Overall Architecture:
The architecture of SableSage combines the austere grandiosity of ancient Dragonborn design with the ornate intricacies afforded by magic and scholarly pursuits. Black stone, the same as that found in the depths of Dragon Tooth Bay, forms the primary material of construction, imbuing the stronghold with a sense of impenetrable strength. The stones are enchanted to repel moisture and resist the saline winds of the bay, ensuring their endurance for centuries.
Turrets and spires reach towards the sky, adorned with intricate carvings that tell the story of Huldrassyt The Gifted One and the origins of the Kepeshkmolik clan. Inlaid with metals that glint under the sun, these embellishments create a striking contrast against the dark stones.
The Great Library:
The heart of SableSage is its Great Library, a towering edifice of knowledge that seems to challenge the heavens in its height. The exterior is studded with statues of great scholars and philosophers from the clan’s history. Inside, vaulted ceilings are supported by columns etched with ancient runes that serve both as decoration and magical enhancement for the preservation of the texts within.
Each wall of the Great Library is lined with shelves that climb upwards to seemingly impossible heights, accessible by magical lifts that allow patrons to reach the upper echelons. The central atrium is a vast open space where scholars can peruse and study ancient scrolls under the gentle light of ever-glowing orbs.
The Sage Halls:
The Sage Halls are a series of interconnected chambers where learned discussion and debate take place. Ceilings are painted with murals depicting the pursuit of knowledge across the ages, and the floors are tiled with mosaics, each telling a different story of the clan's past intellectual triumphs. These halls serve as classrooms, lecture theaters, and meeting places for the minds that drive the clan's scholarly pursuits.
The Healing Wing:
The Healing Wing is a testament to the clan's dedication to the preservation of life and knowledge of the body and spirit. It is built around a central courtyard with a healing garden, where plants with medicinal properties grow in abundance. The architecture here is softer, with curved lines and soothing colors that promote a sense of peace and recovery. Patient rooms are equipped with advanced alchemical and magical instruments to aid in healing, and the air is perpetually infused with a gentle, restorative magic.
The Vault:
Beneath the stronghold lies the Vault, a secure repository for items and texts deemed too powerful or dangerous. Its entrance is sealed with doors of adamantine, etched with protective wards and spells that can only be unlocked by the highest-ranking members of the clan. The Vault is said to extend deep into the earth, with its deepest chambers housing artifacts that date back to the founding of SableSage.
The Tower of Adhor:
Rising above the rest of the stronghold is the Tower of Adhor, a spiraling monument dedicated to the god of knowledge. Its architecture is a fusion of practicality and homage, with a series of ascending libraries, study rooms, and observatories that allow scholars to gaze upon the stars. The very top is an open platform where rituals and ceremonies to honor Adhor are held.
Council Chambers:
The Council Chambers are a circular room with a domed ceiling that displays a map of the stars as they were on the night SableSage was founded. Here, the Clan Chief and the Council of Sages convene to discuss the governance of the clan and the stronghold. The chambers are designed to promote openness and dialogue, with seats arranged in a way that no one seat is higher than the others, symbolizing the egalitarian nature of scholarly debate.
Statue of Huldrassyt The Gifted One:
Dominating the main courtyard is the majestic statue of Huldrassyt The Gifted One. Cast from black iron and inlaid with silver, it depicts the ancient dragon in a pose of both wisdom and might. It is both a memorial and a reminder of the clan's origins, gazing out towards the bay as if to protect the stronghold and its inhabitants from any who would dare threaten its sanctity.
Each element of SableSage’s architecture serves a dual purpose: to function according to the needs of those who dwell within and to stand as a constant reminder of the Kepeshkmolik clan's enduring quest for knowledge, healing, and strength.

Founders

• Huldrassyt The Gifted One

Type

Large city

Population

70000

Owner/Ruler

Valthrun the Learned.

Ruling/Owning Rank

Clan Chief

Owning Organization

Kepeshkmolik Clan

Characters in Location

• Eilif the Wise