Bleeding Spire
The Bleeding Spire is the obsidian heart of the Noctavian Empire—a towering monument of fear, devotion, and ancient power. It rises like a dagger from the center of Curdemire, jagged and unhewn by mortal hands, its surface laced with veins that pulse faintly beneath the stone. When the twin moons eclipse or storms roil above, it weeps crimson liquid from unseen crevices—hence its name. Whether the spire is bleeding blood, magic, or memories, none can say for certain.
Some whisper that the Spire was not built, but grown—a wound torn open in the world by Malvera Noctara herself during the founding of the Empire.
Alterations
The Throne Hall of Shadows
A cavernous chamber filled with hanging black silks, drifting motes of dark magic, and the ever-present chill of reverence. The throne itself is carved from a single shard of midnight crystal, surrounded by floating runes and wraithlike guardians.
- The Empress rarely speaks here—her will is made known by gesture, shadow-form, or spectral projection.
- Audience is granted rarely and is as likely to result in blessing as obliteration.
Imperial Archives
A vast subterranean repository of forbidden knowledge, sealed by soul-locks and guarded by cursed sentinels. The air hums with magic, and the ink on the tomes sometimes moves.
- Only archivists bearing the Black Sigil may read certain texts.
- Contains: pre-Empire histories, heretical doctrines, binding contracts with infernal entities, and the fates of entire bloodlines.
Council Chambers of Obedience
Where the rulers of the Empire’s vassal kingdoms, generals, and high priestesses convene under Malvera's gaze. The room is circular, with thrones carved from bone, steel, and petrified wood.
- A magical veil in the center projects the Empress’s Eye, through which she can watch, listen, and speak.
- Dissent is not debated here—it is removed.
The Vault of Chains
Located deep beneath the Spire, this arcane prison houses:
- Cursed relics too dangerous to destroy
- Bound spirits of traitors and fallen deities
- The frozen remains of ancient rebels and banished gods
Each cell is sealed with blood-etched runes and Necrotic Silver chains forged in Emberfall.
Architecture
- Material: Volcanic obsidian infused with unknown arcane forces. The stone is unnaturally warm, resistant to damage, and absorbs light. In places, ghostly shapes seem to move beneath the surface.
- Height: Over 400 feet tall, with no visible windows—only balconies and slit-like openings. At its peak sits a crown of spires, jagged and angular, where crows and nightwings gather in eerie silence.
- Interior Illumination: No fire, torch, or sun shines within. Instead, soul-lanterns—hollow glass vessels filled with trapped spirit-light—line the halls, flickering in response to emotion, presence, or command.
- Layout: The Bleeding Spire’s interior does not obey traditional spatial logic. Halls curve impossibly, staircases shift without warning, and mirrors may serve as doors. Only those attuned to the Empress's will (or bearing her mark) can navigate it safely.
Tourism
- Living Will: The Bleeding Spire is said to be semi-sentient—responding to the Empress's moods and reshaping itself to her desire. Servants have reported entire corridors vanishing or eyes opening in the walls when her rage burns hot.
- Symbol of Authority: Throughout Noctavia, the silhouette of the Bleeding Spire appears on banners, coins, and edicts. To see it is to remember who holds dominion over life, death, and shadow.
- Pilgrimage Site: Devotees make blood offerings at its base, sometimes spending days in ritual prostration. Once a year, during the Night of Endless Veils, the outer gates open for a select few to ascend the spiral path within and receive audience, penance, or execution.
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