Great Library

Purpose / Function

The Great Library is the only centralized collection of written works and artifacts for the United Tribes of Mare'n, for whom all other records and histories are oral and passed down person-to-person.
It is also one of the only libraries with large collections of work that predate the Second Immigration; of the Three Races (Vasati, Dracanis, and Marelis) and The Folk, only the Vasati who formed the early Tribes kept documentation of the world with any sort of fidelity.

Alterations

The Library has become part library, part museum. While most of the building is still dedicated to the storage of books, scrolls, and texts from around the world, there are countless artifacts both modern and ancient from places around the globe. Some are on display, and some are carefully stored away. The collection is rumored to rival any across the world, but few are allowed to peruse it.

Architecture

The Library, like most other buildings in Kha'r, is constructed of the native materials. However, unlike the buildings around it which are mainly built of the dark earthen clay and then painted in pale blue wash, the Great Library is built with huge slabs of Mare'ns distinctive Hillstone.

Defenses

The Great Library is host to one of Kha'r's six Guard Stations. While it seems an odd choice at first to most outsiders, this is quite intentional; there are many areas of the Library that are no open to the public, and many things stored inside of great value. In addition to the physical presence of guard units at all times, there are magical defenses on many parts of the Library to help keep the secure parts secure. Some of the most restricted collections are still stored in the tunnel system below the building.

History

The city of Kha'r grew up around the Great Library, which was always a central meeting point for the Tribes of Mare'n. The original collections were housed underground, in tunnels and caverns, but when it became apparent that the collection would need a permanent home, the Library was constructed. Hillstone was mined from all over and hauled piece by precious piece to the city for the construction, which took about 25 years.

Tourism

The Great Library is very popular with scholars, especially those from outside The Brilliant Empire. Visitors are welcomed readily enough into Kha'r and into the main library, which is a spectacle in and of itself. Access to restricted collections and most of the museum - that is, most of the library - requires more contacts, more finesse, and probably more time spent making friends amongst the Tribespeople.

Great Library

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Type

Library

Parent Location

Kha'r

Owning Organization

United Tribes of Mare'n

One of the library's most restricted underground collections. These collections rarely see use, and never leave the Library. Getting access to them if you aren't a member of a Tribe is nearly impossible.

Images for this article created using Limewire AI Studio.