The Hall of Scribes

The Hall of Scribes is the name of one of the oldest, most prestigious and well-known buildings in Meldan-ty-Kerth, the capital of Meldan. Its primary function is that of a school in which all Scribes in Meldan receive their education. However, it also contains research facilities for those Scribes that chose to pursue an academic path, as well as meeting rooms for the various guilds associated with the Hall, such as the Archivists' Guild and the Copiers' Guild.
Though most of the first floor of the building is occupied by classrooms, libraries and the like, the upper floors are largely taken up by dormitories and social areas for the students, as well as living quarters for teachers and their families. Although the teachers, unlike the students, aren't required to board at the Hall, most chose to do so out of practicality. Facilities for some forms of crafts are also available, and are concentrated in the Eastern side of the complex.

Appearance

The Hall of Scribes is one of the largest buildings in Meldan-ty-Kerth, surpassed only by the royal castle, the barracks of the guards, the amphitheater and the hall of justice. Though it is called The Hall it is in reality a number of interconnected buildings, encircling an inner courtyard in whose midst stands a tower. The bulk of the buildings are between two and four stories high, and the tower six.
As the different buildings were built during different time periods, they differ slightly in style and construction. However, approximately a hundred years after the completion of the tower, the last of the buildings to be added, the entire complex was renovated and covered in white plaster, to give it a more uniform look. Some architectural details, such as doorways and window shutters, are painted in deep red, the color associated with the deity of learning.