Tower of Shadows
The Heart of the Shadow Realm
"Though I used to roam its dark, abysmal halls daily, looking at the looming shadow of that retched structure fills my heart with dread. I can feel him watching me, as if beckoning me to return to his side." Jérémie AumerleThe Tower of Shadows is a massive fortress located in the center of the Shadow Realm, and acts as the base of operations for the entire Shade army.
Purpose / Function
The tower was erected as a central hub and as a status symbol for the shade species. It's designed to be seen from any point in the shadow realm as a beacon.
The lower levels serve as a place for elite shades to gather, train and relax, where as the upper floors act as Vahit's living quarters, which are restricted to the highest ranking operatives.
Architecture
Exterior
The tower stands at roughly 150 meters, with a total of 50 floors going all the way up. Like many structures in the shadow realm it's build with a combination of stone and black blood. The black coating makes the tower a completely black shadow rising into the sky. The structure of the tower bears a resemblance to a light house with a thick base that tapers off towards the top. It has an open roof top that can be walked on. One can gaze upon the entire shadow realm island cluster from the view at the top. At the very top is a firey red orb bound by chains between four large pillars on the roof. The orb can change size and intensity and can be controlled using a very special stone Vahit wears around his neck. At face value it seems like the orb serves the same purpose as a light atop a lighthouse, but in reality, it's crucial in Vahit's ability to communicate with other shades from a distance. Sort of like a subconscious radio tower.Interior
The inside of the tower is exceptionally dark, it's darkness that give Shade's their strength. While shades can navigate with their night vision, it's almost impossible to see anything inside as a normal human. Making things more dangerous, the interior structure of the tower is extremely hazardous if you can't see. The floors and ceilings are full of holes, since shades can easily crawl on walls to climb through them. One wrong step can leave you plummeting several floors down. The inside of the tower is also very damp with black blood, some rooms even having it actively flowing inside. It makes many areas very slippery, adding to the hazards. Since shades do not need to eat, sleep or use the restroom, the tower is limited in such facilities. Many of the rooms in the tower are purely for Shades to have something to pass the time. Bars, libraries, bath houses, lounges, etc. Other rooms in the tower are simply for work. Training rooms, offices, armories, a situation room, and more. Lastly the top floors are Vahit's personal living quarters. This includes his audience chamber, and his study, where he continues his research and magic experiments in peace. He also has a bedroom set up to sleep up there, which he does on occasion even though has no physical need to. Underneath the tower is a basement level used mostly for storage and holding cells. The cells use bright lights so that shades stored there can't reform and try to escape. The basement doesn't follow the shape of the tower, since it is underground, having a more blocky layout. Trivia: Design wise it resembles the Mage Towers of the The Fantasme, which Vahit spent several years inside studying magic.History
The tower was originally a much smaller, stone watch tower located in a part of the Frigid Wastland. In 1732, the area was attacked by a small but powerful army of shades, led by Vahit. The demons that lived there had never seen the shades before and were unprepared for their powers they possessed.
Vahit's army was easily able to run right over the small settlement and take it over. As black blood corrupted the land, Vahit took a liking to their watch tower and decided to expand onto it, creating the Tower of Shadows that exists today.
The tower has seen many battles from hordes of other demons trying to take back the land for themselves, and the tower itself has become a target, as it's large and symbolizes the power the shades hold. The idea being that if a group can take the tower, they've basically won the battle.
Despite the tower being such a sought after prize, the shade have been successful in keeping the tower protected for a good few centuries.
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by IbbyWondrous
Alternative Names
The Shade Tower
Type
Tower, Mage
Parent Location
Owner
Owning Organization
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