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An undead citadel created before the cataclysm, Sahova is devoted to all kinds of magical research. The living may visit the island, if they are willing to obey its rules. [Lore]
Within Sahova there are many well kept secrets, but none more so than the existence of The Vault. Created when Sahova was first founded, its original purpose was to hold the greatest weapons developed by the eternal Wizards, yet when the Valterrian struck its original purpose was suddenly meaningless. Since that time its reason for existing has changed. Now it no longer simply holds weapons of mass destruction, but also some of the greatest and most powerful artifacts that have ever come out of Sahova. It is said that within the Vault there are items which could wipe entire cities off the face of Mizahar, or items that could cure nearly any sickness. The vast array and type of items is nearly endless, and not all of the items contained within are meant for destruction. For an item to be chosen to be sealed within the vault it must be of unparalleled quality and craftsmanship, both grand in design and function. Those Wizards who have had their items stored within this facility are the gifted few, and the records of their work will stand the testament of time and become an example for future generations.
The Vault is located deep within the only active volcano on Sahova. Powerful magics that cannot be recreated in the current age seal the vault within a bubble of magic which encases the structure within. Inside of this bubble of magic the temperature and humidity are perfectly controlled, always maintained at a comfortable level. There is even a miniature lake that exists within these depths, and it is at the center of this lake that the Vault sits.
There are two ways to reach the Vaults. One is through a hidden tunnel that connects the Citadel to the Vault Chamber, and the other is a secret entrance known only to the Archwizard, to be used only in times of need. This hidden entrance can be found somewhere at the base of the active volcano, hidden and protected by the flowing streams of magma as well as by magical enchantments that seal the door shut. No matter what path you take though you always arrive at the same spot, on the other side of the great lake with the stone bridge leading to the Vault in the middle.
Unlike the rest of Sahova, the Vault looks as if it were newly built. Great domed ceilings, vaulted roofs and beautifully carved pillars fill the structure with all the majesty that is the Alahean empire. When one steps into the Vaults it is like stepping backwards in time, and the true beauty of Alahea is revealed. Each corridor is a work of art filled with statues of well known Alahean Wizards. Paintings and tapestries tell the tales of the once mighty kingdom give a glimpse into the past that was so long ago.
The Vault is separated into twenty five levels, each level having a nearly endless number of "vaults" for holding magical items. The level on which the item is held is in direct correlation to how powerful the item is. Each vault is specially created to house the item in question, and a unique labeling system has been created to organize these items. The system involves a series of numbers which can be separated into [Floor][Corridor][Vault number]. For instance if someone was looking for an item marked X|V|III it would be found on level ten, corridor five, vault number three. Each vault has only one key that can open it, and these keys are guarded treasures given to very select few.
Stone Guardians
The treasures held within the Vault are vast, and in many cases dangerous as well. In order to protect their treasures the Alahean Wizards developed the Stone Guardians to be the last defense of their creations if ever their other enchantments failed. The Guardians can range in size, shape and physical appearance, yet all share some common characteristics. All appear to be made of living stone, animated to move freely. They show a limited intelligence, thus if provoked cannot be reasoned with. Their "skin" has been modified to be as hard as diamond, and they all possess a resistance to nearly all forms of magic. Mind altering magics such as Hypnotism have been shown to have some effect due to their limited intelligence, but magics such as flux or reimancy are nearly useless against them.
Beyond the ordinary Guardians which can be found on every floor, Vaults from floor 15 to 25 also have specialized Guardians designed to better protect the contents within the vaults. It is rumored that these Guardians also have special abilities that are beyond what is seen in the normal Stone Guardian.
The Keeper
What is held within the Vaults must have someone to watch over them, and this responsibility falls to the Keeper of the Vault. The Keeper holds they keys to every vault within this massive structure, and thus he alone decides when these items may be used. Not even the Archwizard or the Council of Five has full authority over the items within the Vault. It is a terrible burden to keep such powerful items from falling into the wrong hands, and ultimately the decision of when, and IF, the items are to be used fall to the Keeper himself.
It is the Keeper who commands all within the Vault. He alone has control over the Stone Guardians, and over all of the items sealed within this formidable structure. If times of war do come to Sahova, then the Keeper is responsible for arming Sahova with the items in the Vault. In the event that the Vault is breeched by the enemy, it is also the Keeper's responsibility to undo the magic that keeps the magma at bay, thus destroying the Vault and all within it. It is a heavy burden for one man to hold, yet it is a necessary burden for the safety and well being of Sahova.
Once a trusted advisor to the King of Alahea, when Sagellus Merlus was first asked to take up the position of Keeper he refused with a passion, not wishing to take on such a burden himself. It was Zarik Mashaen that finally convinced the already ancient nuit to take up the role as protector of the Vault. Their long standing friendship lasted through the Valterrian, and into the current day, yet despite how close they might be Merlus always places his responsibilities before anything, and anyone, else.
Old and wise even before coming to Sahova, Merlus helped to establish nearly all that Sahova is today. He aided in designing the Citadel, organizing the Wizards that joined project ARMED, and even created some of the nuits himself. Though he was never magically gifted, his quick with and wisdom granted him a strong position at the King's side, and thus he was the obvious choice for taking up the role of Keeper. His reluctance to assume the role only solidified his obvious worthiness, and so he has held the position for more than 500 years.
Those who have the honor of meeting with Merlus report that his words are cryptic and hold a sense of foreshadowing, as if he talks not of what is happening but of what could happen. He always seems three steps ahead of everyone else, and always has an odd way of knowing more than one would think possible. He is not easily fooled, and does not take well to liars and cheats. Those who come to the Vaults either come invited or bearing a key, otherwise Merlus is quick to evict them, or destroy them. Whichever seems the most efficient and beneficial method. Though he is not cruel, when it comes to protecting the items in his care Merlus is merciless and cold.
Though he has no magic himself, as Keeper Merlus has gained powers that are beyond normal men. In addition to having all of the Stone Guardians at his command, he can also move about the Vaults with ease, appearing and disappearing at will no matter where in the vault he is. At his touch the vaults will open, and some say he can change the very layout of the Vault itself, rearranging it to how he sees fit. Merlus is ruler of his domain, and all within it must bend to his will or face destruction.
