Sanguine Heap

**Sanguine Heap** is the military center of the Bestiar Class Slaves founded by Rive Amber. It is located southeast of Ashen Fissure and directly north of the Ashen Hills.

### Description

Sanguine Heap is described as a dark fortress that has multiple levels. It is constructed of stone and metal that is stained dark, with streaks of rust along its outer walls.

> The two Vérkatrae paused inside an inner courtyard. Fredrick glanced around. The walls were slick, with a rusty glimmer that looked like corroded metal.
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Natty Mick describes Sanguine Heap as putrid and choking.

> Once upon the grassy surface of the Ashen Plains, the Transport Class Vérkatros started to hover, retracting its limbs into its chassis. The breeze brushed gently through Natty’s hair, which felt refreshing compared to the choking dankness of Sanguine Heap, the putrid smells of dirty oil and burning metal that permeated every inch of its endless, winding caverns and chambers.
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Its corridors are lit by electric torches that cast a weak, blue light. Its main sections include:

#### Dungeon

The dungeon is a twisting maze of corridors. Among the corridors are lined cells in which prisoners can be held.

#### Training Area

The training area is on the ground floor and is a large, central courtyard where Bestiar Class Slaves practice battle techniques as well as assemble for important communications by Rive Amber.

The walls surrounding the training area extend to the top of the fortress. At the top, a glass dome sits. Large winged creatures are often seen flying among the rafters.

> Atop the walls there was a dome whose glass shell cast a rainbow of colors upon the metal-tiled floor below. Large, winged creatures flapped across the dome, through vaulted ceilings and portals that Fredrick could not quite see clearly.
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#### Inner Courtyard

The inner courtyard is described as a cobbled area where Bestiars train battle techniques. The inner courtyard is separated from the outer courtyard by a stone archway, upon which are carved figures in bas relief, depicting the early history of Griddish.

#### Outer Courtyard

In the outer courtyard, Vérkatrae are stationed and used when called upon to fulfill certain functions, such as deployment to a Slipshot Silo, a Var, or transport to another area of Griddish.

#### Rooftop

The rooftop is surrounded by ramparts. From the rooftop, one can gain a wide, sweeping view of Griddish.

#### Administrative Chambers

Administrative chambers are rooms where Rive and her associates, such as Natty Mick, conduct administrative tasks. They are described as dark rooms that have narrow windows overlooking the breadth of Griddish.

### Notable Moments

#### Declaration of War

It was from the roof of Sanguine Heap that Rive Amber declared war on the Engineer Class Citizens.

> The floor under their feet vibrated. A deep, rumbling sound filled the air and somewhere from the center of Sanguine Heap, from an unseen portal, a Vérkatros burst forth. It bound forward like some wild deer across the rolling plains of Ashen, a thin trail of vapor spreading within its wake. To the left, far away among the distant Slipshot silos, another Vérkatros launched itself forward in a bounding arc. To the right, six or more.
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According to Rive, it was time for change in Griddish, and it was only through war that this change could be obtained.

> “Only when the old, decrepit tree has been uprooted can a new one grow in its place. It is the way of our existence, both yours and mine.”
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#### Opal Fremmitty's Funeral

After Opal's death, she was brought to Sanguine Heap and provided a funeral ritual in which her matter was scattered and returned to the Tenddrome.

> Rive closed her eyes. A moment later, the echoing sound of clicks and taps could be heard from the corridor from which they entered. A Vérkatros, about the size of two Mechanics, its body wide, flat, and oval shaped, its four legs long and jointed in the middle, walked up to Rive’s Vérkatros. It did not have a visible head, but a pair of bulbous eyes protruded from what looked like its front side. Its arched back appeared to open and a pair of multi-jointed arms unfolded, wrapped itself around Opal’s body, lifted it, and gingerly placed it inside its own body. The back closed, coffining Opal within.
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1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Aibo. (2023). *Slipshot* (1st ed., Vol. 1, p. 294). Mint Cookie Industries.
2. ↑ Aibo. (2023). *Slipshot* (1st ed., Vol. 1, p. 74). Mint Cookie Industries.
3. ↑ Aibo. (2023). *Slipshot* (1st ed., Vol. 1, p. 298). Mint Cookie Industries.
4. ↑ Aibo. (2023). *Slipshot* (1st ed., Vol. 1, p. 299). Mint Cookie Industries.
5. ↑ Aibo. (2023). *Slipshot* (1st ed., Vol. 1, p. 295). Mint Cookie Industries.