Depths of the Archive.
While the main mission of the Library is to bring light and learning to those in darkness, the library is not free of hypocrisy. There are parts of the archive that are not accessible to the public eye.
The Grand Archive is built into the depths of a massive cave within the great mountain upon which spirehelm is built, and so as one might assume you would enter at the top seeing a series of winding staircases and lifts descending into the depths. Lit in some areas by extravagant chandeliers and others with torches and candles, each glowing a brilliant yellow light, echoing the glow of the golden throne and grace of the Greater Gods.
In the upper levels of the archive one might find basic histories, as well as free information like recipes or building plans. One can expect to encounter collectors studying and chroniclers ready to help those less familiar with the archive to find information they might need. Additionally the hall of artificers is open for inquiries, paying well for those who are willing to give their special objects to the archive.
While it might seem to an outsider that these public parts of the library are endless, there is a point at which one would need special clearance to access.
The Libris Electi
The first section beyond the general access is the Libris Electi. This section spans for almost the same depth as the first, accessible to those who hold positions of power, those who are in higher study, mages of the kingdom and any who have a wax seal of authority.
These depths are filled with information that the king deems unsafe for the general public to have access to. Dangerous magic, alchemy, or writings that might threaten the strength of Spirehelm.
Due to its security, these levels are often used for meetings for war generals, and other councils that want assurance that their communications will not be compromised.
Almost all of the individuals that know of the archive believe this section to be the last. That the library simply has a public, and restricted section. There is however one additional section, much smaller yet vast in its own right, that is known only to a select few.
The Tutis Tenebris,
The protected darkness.
In an age so focused on the light, why would the king’s archive have a section devoted to darkness? This section, like its name would suggest, was sanctioned with the hope of protecting the public from the darkness in the lands. Though the highest callings of the archive are given access to it, they are discouraged from spending any more time in its depths than necessary, worried that it might corrupt the clarity of one’s mind.
The majority of content within these levels lies within dark tomes of magic, or anthologies with compromising knowledge about history before the age of Light. Deep in the darkest depths however lies a few hallways for Enchanted containment. Keeping the mystical abilities of objects, weapons, or even entities at bay, suppressed by immense levels of magic that they may never have power again. In the event that an individual outside of clearance is ordered to help with the transport of an object into the depths of Tutis Tenebris, they cannot be allowed to know of its existence, and as such, are given to the abyss of the cave. a grim end. Dark, but for the protection of the light.