Samble

Overview

Samble is a small settlement on the southern flank of Bly's Butte. One account suggests its name may be a weathered contraction of "Savant Bly," hinting at a connection to Saunt Bly. The place functions as a religious community centered on a Counter-Bazian Ark and its village green; services there are loud and song-filled. Members are described reading scripture in Old Bazian and, by their own account, distinguish their creed from Deolaters. One traveler recalls a day "above Samble," implying vantage from higher ground overlooking the settlement.

Notable Features

• Village green encircled by taller, cultivated trees, with a grass plot used for gatherings and meals.
• A wood-framed "sky-altar" atop the ark; services held there are described as vigorous and musical.
• The trailhead to the butte: a dirt road that spirals to the summit begins in the lot behind the ark.
• Parking area that fills during services with shiny mobes and dust-covered fetches; during such times the head of the road may be blocked. The term "mobes" refers to everyday vehicles; see mobes.

Associations

• Religious identity: Some observers initially categorize Samble’s ark with Deolaters, but local adherents explicitly state their creed is not Deolater and trace it to Saunt Bly; they study scripture in Old Bazian. They contrast their beliefs with those of the Warden of Heaven, described as a divergent offshoot.
• Nearby figures: Ferals based on the butte (notably Estemard) are thought to have obtained supplies in Samble when needed.
• Community support: Residents reportedly helped a northbound avout traveler by arranging a ride from Samble and connecting him with practical outfitting in Norslof via a local cousin.

Recent Activity

• During a visit by travelers, the town attended a lively service in the ark, followed by a large picnic on the green that welcomed visitors.
• After the picnic, the traveling party departed north; on the village green, Cord said goodbye to Rosk.
• According to local accounts, Samble folk gave a ride to an avout bound for the far north and, through kin in Norslof, helped him acquire warm gear before he continued by drummon.
• A later account by that traveler notes the leg from Samble to a northern sledge port took about two waking-and-sleeping cycles, using the port as a connection point for onward travel.

Status/Access

• Approach is via a fork below the butte: the right-hand road follows a tributary toward the settlement.
• The spiral road to the summit begins in the lot behind the ark and is walkable or drivable by sturdy vehicles; access can be constrained when the lot is crowded during services.