The New Imperial Palace (/ɪmpɪɹiəl pælɪs/ (Aeillan: /pálati: tou roros/))
Ραλατι του Ραορος
The New Imperial Palace is a complex of government buildings, grand palaces, courtrooms, ballrooms and other important structures that served as the center of government of the Aeillan Empire and continues to serve as the center of government for the Exarchate of Apepsos. Constructed during the late Imperial as a replacement for the older Imperial Palace that was destroyed during the Fifty Years Crsis, the new "Palace of Rauros" was initially conceived as a symbol of the might of the Rauros dynasty. During the Feloran Invasionary period, as construction of the Palace continued, it was seen as a vainglorious testament to the ego of the emperors as the nation burned.
Purpose / Function
When the initial plans for the House of Rauros were drawn up it was intended to serve as the residence of the Emperor, as well as the center of government for the whole of the Aeillan Empire, housing many of the higher level bureaucrats responsible for the daily management of the state. It did serve this purpose throughout its construction, and later during the Imperial period. After the fall of the Empire, and the establishment of the much smaller Exarchate of Apepsos the purpose of this enormous edifice shifted somewhat, becoming a cultural center for the elite of the Exarchate as many of the office spaces were converted into great ballrooms for hosting grand feasts and balls.
Alterations
In the later phases of its construction during the Feloran Invasionary period, the New Imperial Palace was, slightly fortified against aerial attack, with a number of hidden weapons emplacements installed, many rooves covered, and the outer walls reinforced with thicker masonry and magic. In the post Imperial era, many of the unnecessary offices were converted into luxurious ballrooms. Although this work was relatively minimal in terms of major structural changes, many of the previously bare walls had elaborate murals and frescoes installed in them.
Architecture
The New Imperial Palace ironically is a greater reflection of the older style of the High Imperial and of the Ilosi Republic. This means that, at least in the earlier plans, rooms are open, and most of the outer walls are open. Grand columns and facades mark the outer areas. The inner areas are decorated with elaborate frescoes, mosaic, and statuary. Inside there is a fairly sizable garden, which is beautifully arranged and decorated. The New Imperial Palace has largely maintained its original construction since its completion with the expense of upgrading the palace being viewed as prohibitive.
Defenses
Despite initially not being constructed for defense, the necessities of the Feloran War caused alterations to the construction of the Palace to incorporate various defensive measures into the House of Rauros. The first of these, was the reinforcement of the outer walls which guaranteed protection from most light weapons. Secondly, a number of ballistae were placed in concealed positions throughout the grounds of the palace that are trained on the skies to prevent air attacks. As per the usual norm the building is enchanted for protections against thievery and magical attack with targeted antimagic wards
History
After the death of Empress Sextana Hadriana Rauros, her successor, Marcus Trajan Rauros elected to commence the construction of a vast program of public works. Among these, there was a project intended to rebuild and recentralize government offices into a single complex. To that end initial plans were drafted for the construction of a large imperial palace in the heart of Apepsos. The first stones were laid down in AE 425, with construction increasing in pace by 430. The initial builds of the palace were completed shortly before the first of the Feloran Invasions. Initial construction saw the completion of a grand imperial residence and center of state bureaucracy that sat upon Palace Hill.
During the Felroan Invasions there was a major overhaul of the palace, as the threat of foreign military incursions from far ranging Felorans, especially on aerial mounts came to Apepsos, defense of the palace was made more important. The walls were reinforced, and hidden artillery positions were installed on the palace grounds. In addition to these direct changes, many of the state ballrooms were converted into military command centers and hubs for the logistical bureaucracy to keep order in the chaos of the Feloran Wars. It would continue to serve as a major military outpost until well after the Feloran invasions, until the breakup of the Aeillan Empire following the death of Alexios III.
After the Feloran Invasionary period, and the collapse the Empire, and the massive bureaucracy needed to maintain it, the Palace fell into partial disuse, as far fewer state functionaries were needed to maintain the operations of the Exarchate of Apepsos. As a result, the New Imperial Palace was slowly restructured, becoming much more a private residence, even after the inclusion of a senatorial building for the Peptid Senate. Many offices were converted into luxurious ballrooms, and private residences, and the gardens of the palace were reinvigorated. In the modern period the Palace of Rauros is perhaps even more opulent than it was in its heyday.
Founding Date
AE 440
Alternative Names
The Palace of Rauros
Type
Palace
Parent Location
Owner
Ruling/Owning Rank
Owning Organization
