The Ivory Tower

"To stand before the Ivory Tower is to witness ambition turned to stone, to walk its halls is to feel history pressing in from every wall. It is not simply a place, it is the weight of Everwealth itself."

Synopsis:
Rising from the heart of Opulence, the Ivory Tower is more than just the seat of the king, it is the city’s spiritual and political core, a monument to power, legacy, and enduring craftsmanship. Built over 3,000 years ago by the legendary Elfese artificer Koichiro Oda, this architectural marvel is one of the oldest and most revered structures in Gaiatia. Crafted from polished ivory-like stone laced with golden filigree, its spire pierces the sky, towering over the grand palaces and courts of the Inner Circle. Not a single inch of the tower was left untouched by its creator’s meticulous artistry; intricate bas-reliefs of past rulers, celestial motifs, and flowing arcane script cover its battlements, archways, and interior halls. It is said that every step within the tower tells a story, from the grand staircases carved with depictions of Everwealth’s first kings to the vaulted ceilings that shimmer with Elfese enchantments meant to preserve their brilliance for eternity. The Throne of Ten-Thousand-Tusks, housed in the tower’s highest chamber, is as infamous as it is coveted. Kings have lived and died upon it, and would-be usurpers have fought wars for the chance to rest even a moment within its gilded embrace. Legends tell that Demon Lord Vile himself paused his invasion of the city just to sit upon the throne, admiring the structure’s divine craftsmanship before returning to battle. Whether a tribute or a challenge, the meaning of his gesture remains a whispered mystery among scholars. The Ivory Tower is more than a fortress, it is a declaration, one that has endured siege, sabotage, and treachery across centuries of war. During the Succession Wars, countless banners flew over its battlements, but the tower itself never fell. Some claim it is protected by Oda’s final enchantment, an unseen force that repels those unworthy of its halls. Others believe the tower’s endurance is a testament to its perfect design, a structure so masterfully engineered that it has survived conflicts that reduced the rest of the city to rubble.

Accolades:
The Ivory Tower is among the most celebrated structures on Gaiatia, holding several unparalleled distinctions:

• Tallest Building on Gaiatia – No other structure rivals its imposing height, a gleaming spire that dominates the skyline.

• Most Expensive Building on Gaiatia – The sheer wealth poured into its construction, maintenance, and preservation is unmatched, its materials sourced from across the known world.

• 3rd of the "Nine Splendors of the Plane" – A title granted only to structures of immense historical and cultural significance, placing the tower among the most revered wonders in existence.

Legacy & Influence:
The Ivory Tower’s influence stretches far beyond its walls, shaping the architecture, politics, and prestige of Opulence itself. To reside within its halls is to be among the most powerful figures in the kingdom, for only the royal family, high-ranking officials, and the most trusted nobles are permitted to dwell inside. Its very existence has prevented the city from falling into ruin, serving as both a symbol of unity and a prize for conquerors. Even the most ambitious warlords have chosen to seize the tower rather than destroy it, for its grandeur is beyond replication, and its status beyond dispute. Opulence thrives beneath the shadow of the Ivory Tower, and as long as its gleaming spire stands, the city will never truly fall.

Type

Castle