The Great Library
The current Great Library was established after the Sundering as a repository and fortress to replace the previous Great Library, presumed to be destroyed. The Great Library is the first collaborative project undertaken post faction wars.
Located in one of the most arid areas of Savitka, the contents of the Great Library are protected from humidity, light, variable temperatures, and the most dangerous threat of all: people.
A naturally formed cave system was carved out and expanded to house the Great Library's extensive and growing collections. The entrance is accessible only by traversing a deep crevasse in the sandstone surroundings, which is prone to flash floods during spring rains. Hidden fittings along the length of the crevasse harvest these rains and store it for the benefit of those who live and work at the Great Library.
The Great Library's massive façade is carved into the nearly vertical slope of a cliffside. A wide set of steps lead up to the two sets of entrances.* Both entrances lead into the three story tall galleried foyer. Visiting Loremasters can be guided from the foyer to either the reading room, or to the Library's living quarters.
*Since the rediscovery of the Hollow City, Loremasters have been thrilled to note the similarities between the entrance to the Great Library and the entrance to the Labyrinth.
Purpose / Function
The Great Library's purpose is to collect, archive, and protect knowledge in all of its forms, and ensure that that knowledge is preserved for future generations.
Alterations
Over time, additional wings have been dug out of the rock to archive expanding collections. Another additional chamber was dug to expand the Library's reading room and to create educational classrooms.
Architecture
Though the core of the Library are the chambers carved out of the natural stone, many of these chambers have been fitted with imported marble shaped into decorative and symbolic elements.
Defenses
It shouldn't be forgotten that the Great Library is also intended to protect its collections.
Its first line of defense is the winding path of the crevasse that must be navigated to access the entrance. The same system that captures spring rains for practical use is also able to flood the crevasse in the occasion that any large number of hostiles should attempt to storm the Library.
Anyone approaching the Library with hostile intent should not consider themselves safe if they manage to make it to the terrace before the Library's entrance. No.
The facade of the Great Library itself is fitted with hidden niches that can contain defenders, with a full range of the entire terrace up to the steps. To either side of the doorways are stone cobras that animate if they sense ill intent, attacking and injecting any invader with a paralytic.
Inside the foyer of the Library are more hidden niches, and the doors to any individual vault can instantly slam shut at a signal from any Loremaster.
Tourism
Though in theory anyone with a thirst for knowledge may visit the Great Library and access its lending collection, few but the most determined attempt to do so.
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