The Spire
History
The origins of the Spire is lost in the mists of time, what is known is that it is old. It is definitely older than the time of Rharne’s founding, but how much older is anyone’s guess. Surprisingly, for all its age, the structure itself is very robust, and has barely needed repairs in all the time it has been occupied.
It was originally discovered roughly a decade or so after the Thunder Priestesses were founded, by a famous pair, Essa Iladotter, and Ural Thewmon, her paired Storm knight, and was reclaimed in Ilaren’s name. Upon further investigation, ruins almost completely overgrown by the forest were discovered nearby. Experienced scholars and archaeologists agree that the ruins and the Spire are from the same time, yet the tower still stands tall, while the ruins, though extensive have clearly not stood the passage of time.
It was originally discovered roughly a decade or so after the Thunder Priestesses were founded, by a famous pair, Essa Iladotter, and Ural Thewmon, her paired Storm knight, and was reclaimed in Ilaren’s name. Upon further investigation, ruins almost completely overgrown by the forest were discovered nearby. Experienced scholars and archaeologists agree that the ruins and the Spire are from the same time, yet the tower still stands tall, while the ruins, though extensive have clearly not stood the passage of time.
Description
The Spire is isolated from the rest of the more populated parts of the Stormlands, with no villages or even isolated farms nearer than half a trial’s travel by mount. That whole section of land is considered somewhat strange and even dangerous, especially due to its proximity to the Stormwastes. Rumours suggest that the Spire is somehow self-aware and only allows a select group of folks to remain in its area of influence for more than a handful of trials.
Whether this particular story is true or not, it is true that the Spire today is run and maintained by the the most strange and reclusive scholars among all of Ilaren’s followers. A sect of older Thunder Priestesses are tasked with maintaining the knowledge stored here and ensuring that it is not misused by outsiders. There are a few servants and helpers stationed here, and the tower is supplied with basic food and scholarly supplies from the city on a semi regular basis. All the work that goes into keeping the tower running and comfortable for its residents is undertaken by the scholars themselves.
Yet the Spire houses one of the largest libraries and archives in the region, a part of which may be accessed by a visitor if they have been vouched for by either a very senior dignitary of the Lightning Cathedral, or one of the long time residing scholars. Additionally all visitors need to be willing to abide by the rules of the Spire, which include doing their share of the chores, which can be quite menial in nature. It is much less popular even among scholars than it could be, mainly because of how few people know about it, and because the accessible materials mostly deal with historical archives, and treatises on obscure disciplines, which rarely have any practical utility.
The Hidden Spire
Only the upper echelon of the various branches of the Cathedral are aware of the real purpose for which the Spire has been utilised. In reality, the Spire acts as the small, but powerful research wing of Ilaren. The scholars stationed here include a few mages, and in addition to maintaining the Hidden Library, they are tasked with researching various magical and mundane phenomenon, and developing practical usages from them.
Hiding this enterprise is made easier by how perfectly situated the Spire is for this work. The ruins scattered around the nearby areas give only a hint of the area the settlement around the tower must have originally covered. However unlike the ruins above, the underground complex seems to have survived a lot better. The section just under the spire is like an inverse of the tower above, if not quite as deep as the spire is high.
Corridors branch out from these underground levels to other pockets, some just big enough to store a chestful of supplies, others big enough to house a bustling market. The whole tangle of passages, rooms, multileveled spaces, natural caverns, dead-ends, cave-ins, and the occasional underground pool etc would be confusing enough if laid out on the surface, but without the reference of a ground level, and a lack of light in most of the less traveled parts, it is a deathtrap for a foolish trespasser. Surprisingly enough, the air remains fairly fresh, so it is assumed that cleverly hidden vents rise to the surface, most likely hidden from observation under encroaching vegetation.
This is the Hidden Spire. The labyrinth has been explored quite well for some distance around the area, but it’s not unusual to find yet another unexplored branching every so often. Many strange artifacts and relics have been discovered during this time, and all such are kept in a secure location deep within the Hidden Spire. Vetted scholars and mages may be permitted to conduct further research in sections of the underground network isolated from the primary complex.
Many of these secret spaces are given over to dangerous or secretive research and it’s not unusual for scholars to have extensive workshops and rooms below ground, which can be surprisingly comfortable, since they use many of the newer gadgets and artifacts that have been discovered or developed there.
Hiding this enterprise is made easier by how perfectly situated the Spire is for this work. The ruins scattered around the nearby areas give only a hint of the area the settlement around the tower must have originally covered. However unlike the ruins above, the underground complex seems to have survived a lot better. The section just under the spire is like an inverse of the tower above, if not quite as deep as the spire is high.
Corridors branch out from these underground levels to other pockets, some just big enough to store a chestful of supplies, others big enough to house a bustling market. The whole tangle of passages, rooms, multileveled spaces, natural caverns, dead-ends, cave-ins, and the occasional underground pool etc would be confusing enough if laid out on the surface, but without the reference of a ground level, and a lack of light in most of the less traveled parts, it is a deathtrap for a foolish trespasser. Surprisingly enough, the air remains fairly fresh, so it is assumed that cleverly hidden vents rise to the surface, most likely hidden from observation under encroaching vegetation.
Many of these secret spaces are given over to dangerous or secretive research and it’s not unusual for scholars to have extensive workshops and rooms below ground, which can be surprisingly comfortable, since they use many of the newer gadgets and artifacts that have been discovered or developed there.
The Mysteries
To the casual visitor, the Spire and its surrounding areas seem laughably devoid of any serious protection. Only a very small area is enclosed by a short wooden palisade, which is more geared towards keeping away the wildlife than any human attackers. However the Spire is far better protected than many might think; both by mundane as well as arcane means.
One of the more well known mysteries about the Spire deals with how a lightning strike has never been recorded in the area. The logical explanation for that would be that the Spire acts as a lightning rod. However those living in the Spire know that the Spire draws out even incipient lightning from the thunderclouds, and uses it to power many of the tower defences. Many such defences have been found and are studied as the occasion permits.
A particularly bad thunderstorm might also briefly awaken some of the strange artifacts and relics that were found during the course of exploring and revamping the labyrinth, as well as illuminate some sections of it. The pale traceries in the stone of the tower alo tend to glow very faintly during thunderstorms.
However, the scholars have created their own network of traps and defenses around the network that rely on illusion, stealth and entrapment more than an outright show of power.
One of the more well known mysteries about the Spire deals with how a lightning strike has never been recorded in the area. The logical explanation for that would be that the Spire acts as a lightning rod. However those living in the Spire know that the Spire draws out even incipient lightning from the thunderclouds, and uses it to power many of the tower defences. Many such defences have been found and are studied as the occasion permits.
A particularly bad thunderstorm might also briefly awaken some of the strange artifacts and relics that were found during the course of exploring and revamping the labyrinth, as well as illuminate some sections of it. The pale traceries in the stone of the tower alo tend to glow very faintly during thunderstorms.
The Public Face
The clearing that the Spire stands in is enclosed by a short wooden palisade, with the bridge leading to the main route to Rharne. A smaller gate provides egress towards the woods. A modest stable stands against one side as well as a small barn. A row of structures housing a diminutive but well appointed smithy and forge, and other such sundry crafting areas are built against another wall. There is also a functional vegetable garden that takes up the rest of the space, and a narrow steep stone staircase that leads down directly to a ravine.
The main entrance of the Spire leads to a modest hall that is set up similar to a lobby. There is space to shuck off and hang outdoor gear, additionally there is a fireplace which is usually kept lit during the colder months and a few chairs and benches to wait on. Closed doors lead to the inner areas of the tower, but a visitor found wandering there without permission would be summarily expelled from the tower. A handsome and sturdy bell-pull hangs prominently against the wall opposite the entryway, and first time visitors are expected to pull it in order to be met by one of the scholars on duty.
One of the doors leads to a smaller hall which houses the beginning of the wide central staircase which leads to upper levels till the tower narrows enough to make it an inefficient means. From then on, one may ascend further levels by means of a narrow set of stairs that hugs the inner walls of the tower.
The public archives and library are spread across three complete levels of the Spire, four levels up from the entrance hall, and are presided over by the Archivist. The library has sectioned off areas as well as tables for anyone wishing to use the material in the library. The levels below these house guest rooms and common studies for visiting scholars, though most remain empty. The rooms for all resident scholars lie above the library level and those areas are typically not accessed by the visitors. The entrance to the Hidden Spire is very well concealed, and it can not be accessed from any of the lowermost levels at all. The many mysteries of the Spire are well kept by it's stewards; it will take unyielding perseverance and an insatiable curiosity in order to discover them all.
The main entrance of the Spire leads to a modest hall that is set up similar to a lobby. There is space to shuck off and hang outdoor gear, additionally there is a fireplace which is usually kept lit during the colder months and a few chairs and benches to wait on. Closed doors lead to the inner areas of the tower, but a visitor found wandering there without permission would be summarily expelled from the tower. A handsome and sturdy bell-pull hangs prominently against the wall opposite the entryway, and first time visitors are expected to pull it in order to be met by one of the scholars on duty.
One of the doors leads to a smaller hall which houses the beginning of the wide central staircase which leads to upper levels till the tower narrows enough to make it an inefficient means. From then on, one may ascend further levels by means of a narrow set of stairs that hugs the inner walls of the tower.
The public archives and library are spread across three complete levels of the Spire, four levels up from the entrance hall, and are presided over by the Archivist. The library has sectioned off areas as well as tables for anyone wishing to use the material in the library. The levels below these house guest rooms and common studies for visiting scholars, though most remain empty. The rooms for all resident scholars lie above the library level and those areas are typically not accessed by the visitors. The entrance to the Hidden Spire is very well concealed, and it can not be accessed from any of the lowermost levels at all. The many mysteries of the Spire are well kept by it's stewards; it will take unyielding perseverance and an insatiable curiosity in order to discover them all.
Location NPC List
Moderator's Note: Players are welcome to use these NPCs if they're writing about this location.
Race: Human
DoB: 12th Vhalar , Arc 658
Title: The Archivist
Skills: Bookbinding (Expert), Cartography (Expert), Discipline (Competent), Linguistics (Master), Research (Master), Rhetoric (Competent), Storytelling (Expert), Teaching (Competent)
Maria Savile is a well meaning woman who takes her job as Archivist of the Spire very seriously. She is the public face of the tower and deals mostly with visiting scholars and researchers. She is a thin, delicate woman with salt and pepper locks that she keeps neatly pinned back so that it does not interfere with her work. Often Marie is seen wearing long pencil skirts that reach to her ankles that she pairs with a freshly pressed blouse and an inordinate amount of jewelry. She cares a great deal about the knowledge she has been tasked with protecting and is quick to slap a few wrists if visitors take advantage of her hospitality.
Credit: Pepper
Maria Savile
DoB: 12th Vhalar , Arc 658
Title: The Archivist
Skills: Bookbinding (Expert), Cartography (Expert), Discipline (Competent), Linguistics (Master), Research (Master), Rhetoric (Competent), Storytelling (Expert), Teaching (Competent)
Maria Savile is a well meaning woman who takes her job as Archivist of the Spire very seriously. She is the public face of the tower and deals mostly with visiting scholars and researchers. She is a thin, delicate woman with salt and pepper locks that she keeps neatly pinned back so that it does not interfere with her work. Often Marie is seen wearing long pencil skirts that reach to her ankles that she pairs with a freshly pressed blouse and an inordinate amount of jewelry. She cares a great deal about the knowledge she has been tasked with protecting and is quick to slap a few wrists if visitors take advantage of her hospitality.
