Vault of the Sages

The Vault of the Sages is a famous library in Silverymoon and one of the greatest collection of knowledge in all Faerûn.
The Vault contains either an original or a copy of every important book, scroll, or carved inscription of Faerûn since ancient times. The exact number of holdings is unknown, but estimates range from 6,000 to one million books. It's also said that the Vault holds treasures beyond books, though those are kept closely guarded.

Purpose / Function

The Vault is meant for researchers, academics, and adventurers. Whereas entry to Candlekeep requires a donation, the Vault's collections can be accessed with coin. The Vault charges a reading fee for accessing its books, which ranges from 1 SP per person per day to 5 GP per book, depending on the material. Fees for rare works are much higher and depend on the age of the book and whether the books is on the topic of magic. Reading fees for such books are a gold piece higher for every 25 years of age for tomes on mundane topics, while magical tomes start at 10 GP and cost 2 GP more per 25 years of age. The Vault allows readers to view tomes about magic but never actual spellbooks.
Copies of books can also be commissioned for a fee, and sages can also be booked by appointment only for research assistance.

Architecture

The Vault of the Sages is one of the tallest buildings in the city. It is five stories high and roughly shaped like a horseshoe.

Floors of the Vault

The first and second floors, named the Forehall, contain public galleries and lounges. Here, news from all over Faerûn is displayed on broad sheets hung on the walls. Multiple copies of popular reference works are found here in the open book galleries.
The third through fifth floors have studies and offices. The studies are organized by general topic. The offices are reserved for scribes, sages, bookbinders, etc. employed by the library.
There are five basement levels within the Vault, where the main collection is located. Only attendants, the commander of the Spellguard, and the High Mage are allowed access to these levels. The bookshelves are located in twisting passageways that, while organized, are difficult to navigate without lengthy training and experience.

History

The original library of Silverymoon, the Silver Lady's Library, was burned to the ground in 876 DR by Warlord Lashtor, during his short and murderous rule. Thankfully, many of the rarest books were rescued and preserved by the Harpers. A few decades later, in 900 DR, during the reign of Tanisell the Cloaked, the Vault of the Sages was constructed at its original location in Northbank, on the same land where the Silver Lady's Library once sat. Every wizard in the city donated at least two books to the collection, and the Harpers gifted the works that they had been keeping from the Silver Lady's Library.
The building was moved to it's current location in 1247 DR after the Heralds of Faerûn purchased the old building to be the Map House.

Type

Library

Parent Location

Silverymoon