The Arkosi Hermitage
The tears and blood of patriots stain these walls, calling for vengeance. Someday we will answer their cry.The Arkosi Hermitage, a towering stone structure rising above the fields and forests of the Andaras river valley, is famous as the largest museum and art collection in the world. This structure reverently cared for by the kingdom of Arkos houses nearly 24,000 artifacts and works of art in ornate rooms within its walls. However, it was not always serene. A former military base, the structure has survived dozens of sieges and stood through hundreds of wars.
Purpose / Function
Constructed nearly 2000 years ago over the course of two centuries, the Hermitage (Citadel at the time) was designed by Cyanni engineers as an unassailable fortress overlooking a powerful city-state (which is long since destroyed). They achieved their goal spectacularly. Before its was even completed, the structure survived three sieges and changed hands twice. At one point it held against an onslaught for nearly 246 days before receiving reinforcements. It had a reputation for only being captured in battle once, by one of the most cunning tacticians in Cyanni history. Even in the Arkosi invasions that drove the Cyanni to their island, the Citadel maintained its record: the garrison in charge attempted to burn the structure and fled before the sieging army could arrive.
Upon changing hands to the Arkosi, the Citadel posed a serious problem for the new government. The Arkosi people, fuelled by bloodlust from their recent war and spite from their own cultural artifacts being lost forever, lashed out against anything and everything Cyanni in the region. Artifacts were looted, statues toppled, civilians mass-executed, and entire cities burned to the ground. However, this Cyanni military structure stood as the ultimate symbol of their enemy, and they didn't have the resources to destroy it.
The Arkosi government of the period eventually came up with a solution, one which they believed would sate their populace's anger without breaking the budget; to repurpose it for artistic expression (as while art is a major part of Arkosi culture, the Cyanni at the time considered it trivial). Over time the structure was redesigned and expanded to house important artifacts uncovered around the globe and the best artwork the Kingdom of Arkos could get its talons on.
Architecture
The original walls of the Hermitage were designed for defense during the early Anaros period, meaning its design was a layer of fairly utilitarian but robust stone walls in the shape of a six-sided star, with a large inner courtyard housing supplies and barracks. Surviving artistic depictions indicate that it was at first much smaller, as well as not very ornate. Halfway through its construction the structure changed hands; the new owners gave it a significant overhaul. The formerly outer walls were relegated to inner defenses while a much larger ring of walls and defenses were erected around it. These structures were far more elaborate and painted orange with deep blue accents.
Upon being renovated to become a museum, the Hermitage was again modified to reflect the architecture of the time (similar to Victorian architecture). Many of its fortifications were removed and replaced by decorative battlements. The original colors were painted over with a light blue and white scheme. The inner courtyard was replaced by buildings to house art, and wings were added to the exterior of the structure to give more space for galleries. Meanwhile the drab military interiors were given significant overhauls using gold, stained glass, and marble.
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