The Grand Archive

Perhaps as a result of their connection to the ancient Dragons who once ruled the world, the Drakai place a significantly high value on the preservation of history. It's this reverence for the past that fueled the construction of the Grand Archive (also known as the Sanctuary of Serithyon, named for the Elder Dragon associated with knoweldge within the Draceist faith), a large archive meant to safeguard the most important records, knowledge, and artifacts of the Drakai people. This archive remains one of the most significant buildings in Dranya, with many believing that it and it's contents would live on even long after the Drakai have left the world.

Purpose / Function

The Grand Archive was constructed with the intent of storing the most significant historical records and artifacts of the Drakai people, and safeguarding them against whatever calamities might befall the world outside its walls. In this way, the Drakai hope that the Grand Archive would allow the memory of their people and their ancestors (including the Dragons) would live on long after they themselves are gone.

Alterations

While the Grand Archive as it is today remains largely the same as it was when it was first constructed, it's still seen a number of alterations over its time, mainly in the form of expansions to its inner chambers and structural elements/enchantments to improve its ability to withstand outside disasters.

Architecture

The Grand Archive was built into the side of a large mountain, with its interior being carved out of its interior. Both the exterior and interior follow the same architectural style used by the Drakai, with a largely utilitarian aesthetic with some decorative elements designed to be evocative of Dragons (particularly the Elder Dragon Serithyon).

The main hall beyond the entrance is large, with a stone sculpture of Senithyr in the centre and murals depicting several important historical moments for the Drakai (their creation at the hands of the Dragons, the rise of the nation of Dranya, etc.) occupy the walls on either side. Beyond the main hall exists numerous large chambers containing the numerous artifacts stored within the Archive, organised by type and significance. Chambers containing artifacts that are more commonplace are readily accessible for any who enter the Archives, while more significant and/or rare items are only accessible to the higher ranking members of the order who maintains the Archive.

Beyond the main hall lies the quarters of the Lorekeepers of Senithyon, an order of Keepers who've made it their duty to tend to the Archive and its contents, and the Blades of Serithyon, a more martially inclined sister order dedicated to protecting the Archive against danger. This section contains living areas, barracks, training areas, and dining areas for the two groups, and provides direct access to most of the Archive.

Defenses

The Grand Archive is built to withstand natural disasters, and can hold out against an assault by an enemy force as a result of this. Additionally, the Archive is defended by the Lorekeepers (a number of whom are mages) and the Blades of Serithyon.

Alternative Names

Sanctuary of Serithyon

Type

Archive