The Village of Katzu

Village is a deceptive term, but in relation to many of the cities of the House Tayke in it's heyday, this is a small bit of civilization.  The village of Katzu holds around a thousand people, with a library, meeting hall, flour mill, water wheel and several decorative fountains, along with all the normal trappings of a small city.  Though much of House Tayke's lands were destroyed and the people had to flee in terror, the village of Katzu was far enough north that Shaniko overlooked it and the village has managed to survive since then.  The village serves as a learning place for all the smaller villages that surround Katzu.  The people of Tayke have always valued knowledge and even the poorest of children learn to read, write and to do basic math. 

Anyone, even those from poor families, who appear to have a magical inclinations are taken in as apprentices for the dozen or so mages who make Katzu their home.  One of Katzu's defenses is the mages are able to hide the village from those they do not want to see it if they are given enough warning.  It has saved them from ogres, wizards and even demons.

For the adventurer this is a grail of knowledge.  Much, though not all, of the knowledge of Tayke can be found here from how to make special magical items to spells long forgotten, to even forgotten languages.  But there is a price for outsiders to learn such things.  Whether it is a favor to the village or a vast amount of gold is up to the head librarian and how much he trusts the group.