Kastus's Dazzling Dwerzik (Duh-Vair-Zick)
Description and Layout
The Dwerzik can be summoned only by means of an arcane ritual performed by Kastus himself, which involves the creation of a magical doorway using a polished hunk of limestone. Following this ritual, the main door can be accessed for the next three-to-five days by any member of the Company with the command words “Otryko” (Sevnóni for "open") and "Zakryt" (Sevnóni for "close").Entry Chamber
The entry chamber is a large, decagonal hall with polished pinewood floors. There is no visible ceiling, with the walls stretching upwards into a starry night sky that mirrors the stars above the Company’s current location. There are five ornate white-stone thresholds in an alternating pattern with five large hearths spread evenly across the chamber’s 10 walls. These thresholds lead to the Bedchambers, Banquet Hall, Library, and Zal Pamya (Imperial Wythian: Memory Hall), all of which are detailed below. The walls themselves prominently feature vast stained glass windows, which individually depict each member of the current Company and some of the Company’s greatest feats. In the center of the chamber lies a large round table carved from an enormous tree stump, inlaid with a detailed map of the known world set with silver and precious gems. Seated around the table are 15 chairs carved of fine mahogany, modelled after a wedding gift given to Kastus and Yelena by Leonid Viktarovich. The air inside is crisp like an autumn day and smells faintly of sweet pine sap. Occasionally, one of the stars above will descend into the hall as a mote of light and flit around the room, capable of casting Prestidigitation on command.
Bedchambers
The threshold leading to the bedchambers is intricately engraved with Sevnóni prayers of protection and good fortune, set with large hunks of fiery orange gemstones. Passing into this room reveals a broad staircase of polished pine, descending into a brightly-lit three-story hall with vaulted ceilings and lined with tall stone columns. There are a total of 13 columns along either wall, and between each column lies a large set of heavy stone doors. These doors are seamless when closed, and bear no handles. Instead, each set features a highly-rendered relief depicting major achievements of Company members or scenes from Sevnóni mythology. The doors can be opened or shut by simply speaking the words 'open' or 'close' in one's native language. These doors each lead to a bedchamber, 24 in all: six for each member of the Argent Company plus Cedric Anglermen, two for the crew of the Santana, and 16 guest chambers.
Running along the central length of the hall are two symmetrical rows of aromatic flowering trees in neat planters, flanked on their outer edge by smooth pine benches adorned with cushions and blankets. In the direct center of the hall sits an immense fountain carved of smooth marble, fitted with golden statues of Sevnóni river spirits blowing water and steam out of bronze horns. At the very end of the hall lies a large set of double doors, made entirely of silver and steel. These doors cannot be opened by conventional means, but in the presence of the full Argent Company will slide open to reveal a cavernous chamber: the Dwerzik's vault, containing all the Company's stored wealth and plunder.
Each bedchamber shares a similar basic format: a spacious central room, complete with a large fireplace and balcony, that serves as a sitting room and sleeping area. Additionally, each bedchamber has two doors: one that leads to a small private bathhouse and privy chamber, and one that is unique to each room.
Leighton's Room
The first door on the left belongs to Lord Leighton Allister, bearing a relief depicting his participation in the arduous three-day Battle of Cynestray Road. Leighton, on horseback, drives a spear through an Orcish mercenary as arrows shatter on the shield slung across his back, while in the background Bergic forces are routed by the triumphant Valesmen. The room inside is spacious and clean, with ornately-crafted furnishings befitting the Company's sole member of nobility. There is a large perch near the balcony for Leighton's Forridel, carved from the Autumnvale's famed Brazenwood. Near the center of the room sits a fine mahogany table with an ornate chair of walnut at its head, should Leighton need to hold a private audience with other noblemen while abroad. Hanging above and about the hearth are the banners of the knightly houses that swear fealty to the Allisters, including House Harlow and many others. A woolen blanket patterned after the tartan of House Allister is draped over the foot of the large bed, and on an end table near the headboard sits a clay pot filled with a bouquet of Queen's Lace and Ash tree blooms. The balcony offers a view from a tower in Cranwich Motte, looking out over the fortress and the woods and streams beyond.
The door in Leighton's suite leads to a circular stone chamber, with a small rug near the doorway and an aperture in the ceiling letting in mottled evening sunlight. Stood against the opposite wall is a large statue of Svarcliste, facing directly towards the entrance. Similar in appearance to the statue possessed by Sage Awnrothan Tannach, this visage of Svarcliste is crafted of Brazenwood and bronze, seamlessly fused together via Kastus's magic.
Bogurt's Room
Bo's room is the second on the right, and depicts him partaking in his final hunt on Sijmen Sur before ascending to manhood. Bo stands firm in the face of a massive charging elk, his bow drawn and ready to pierce the beast through the heart. While the size of the room's interior is comparable to the other chambers, the furniture is slightly shrunken as to be accommodating of Bo's smaller stature. Kastus self-admittedly knows very little about dwarves, having believed them to be nothing more than mythical creatures until the age of 12. As such, many of the furnishings in Bo's room are based upon the styles and tastes of the Captain-General of the dwarven Šarkanesh Guard, with whom Kastus trained as Maester of Evocation. The center of the room is largely bare, save for a dwarf-sized sparring dummy sculpted out of clay and carved oak. Armed with a falchion and buckler, the figure will spring to life with the command word "Serudhek!" (Sevnóni for "awaken!") and engage its opponent until it is dealt a mortal blow. Two halberds are crossed and mounted above the hearth, flanked by two banners bearing the standard of Bo's House and Dwarven Faction on Sijmen Sur, respectively. A beautiful mosaic is set into the ceiling, crafted entirely from stained glass and precious gems, depicting the fires of creation and other dwarven religious motifs. The view from the balcony is that of the summit of Kustkä, the highest mountain in Sijmen Sur. The entire northern face of the island is clearly visible, and far in the distance can the Ulnosti mountains also be seen.
Bo's auxiliary door opens into a brightly-light small rectangular chamber, lined with gilded wall sconces and carved stone columns. At the end of the chamber sits an elaborate alter to Riemel, in an apparent dig by Kastus at Bo's self-avowed godlessness.
George's Room
The second door on the left is George's room, marked with a relief of his successful outwitting of the djinn in the bowels of Eathelyn Cothred's mansion. George stands tall with his cape waving behind him, as the three djinn retreat back into the earth with faces of shame, rage, and sorrow. The furniture inside is of Wythian make, reminiscent of George's manor in Dalhurst. The room is fitted with a large four-poster bed, comfortable chairs by the fire, a fine Alessan rug in the center of the room, and a writing desk surrounded by bookshelves with an unending supply of parchment and ink. An abacus with pure silver beads sits on a shelf just above the desk. Looking out from the balcony reveals a commanding view of Dalhurst, as seen from the pinnacle of the Eyes of the Emperor. The Santana, as well as the Tilly, can be seen docked in a prominent position in Dalhurst harbour.
The door in George's suite leads to a small dining chamber just off the kitchens. There is a fine wooden table with two chairs, and silver platters piled high with George's favorite delicacies from across the former Empire. One wall is covered with a giant wine storage rack full of centuries-old vintages, while the other bears a warm hearth that exudes sweet-smelling smoke. Sat at a small table in the corner is a portly Westwythian man, ready to fix a plate or pour wine at a moment's notice.
Vesser's Room
The door to Vesser's room, the third on the right, bears a depiction of his induction into the Lesser Council of Briar Glen, overseen by his father in the Sanctum of Dreams. The young Vesser kneels before his father, while the other councilmembers cheer in the background. Notably, all references to Fey, such as the presence of the Amber Sentinels at the induction ceremony, are absent. The room is a large stone cavern, with a gentle stream emanating from a small waterfall near the door running through the room and hunks of glowing prase opal set in the walls providing a soft light. The floor is covered in a thick carpet of springy moss punctuated by slate stepping stones, with cozy furniture sculpted organically out of the flowering magnolia trees that break through the ground in various places. Instead of a hearth, a small bonfire sits in the center of the room besides the stream, surrounded by hewn tree trunks for seating. The balcony looks out onto the Nomoy Reviknah mountains in western Sevnónicha, from the perspective of the summit where Vesser regained his druidic abilities.
The door in Vesser's chamber opens into a room closely resembling the great cabin of the Tilly, but lacking any and all furnishings save for a single full length mirror. The mirror functions normally for most, but for Vesser the only figure that can be seen is David Slate, as a reminder of how Vesser was brought back into the world. An amber-coloured sash is tied over Slate's eyes, embroidered with the words "Avenge Him" in Primordial.
Kastus's Room
The first door on the right is Kastus's room, bearing a relief of his wedding to Yelena Barysovna in Dar Valkiev. Grandmaester Vlodmyrovich presides over the ceremony, with Leonid Viktarovich and his wife standing as the witnesses for the new couple.Banquet Hall
The threshold leading to the banquet hall is adorned with prisms of polished black stone and engraved with Sevnóni blessings of good health and wards against disease. Passing through the threshold leads to a wide pinewood landing, adorned with a larger-than-life statue of David Slate. The figure is crafted of limestone with accents of dried coral, and holds his sword aloft in one hand with an overflowing tankard of ale in the other. Beyond the statue lies a flight of stairs that descend onto the hall's ground floor, while two shorter flights to the left and right lead up to the broad overhanging balcony that wraps around the inside of the hall.
The ground floor of the banquet hall is laid out in a manner typical of a traditional Sevnóni Dwerzik, but considerably larger and far more lavish. Two long oak tables run along the length of the hall, capable of seating "dozens upon dozens" of guests.1 The hall is wide enough such that three men on horseback could easily walk abreast between the tables with a foot of clearance to either side. A vast fireplace dominates the right-hand wall, nearly 10 feet high and stretching from one end of the hall to the other. An elaborate stone overmantel rests above the hearth, marked with a relief showing the Company's first meeting with Kastus in (and subsequent escape from) the sunken Lostekedes observatory off the coast of Anselm. The left-hand wall is lined with racks of kegs and wine barrels, and features a large set of double-doors that lead to the Kitchens. At the end of the hall sits a dais holding the high table, carved of mahogany and draped in a fine linen tablecloth with intricate Sevnóni patterns. Sat behind the high table are five chairs carved of five different woods, one for each member of the Argent Company: brazenwood for Leighton, spruce for Bo, oak for George, alder for Vesser, and pine for Kastus. A musician's gallery manned by spectral minstrels is situated above the dais, and above that is set a large stained glass window fashioned after the Company's coat of arms.
The balcony that wraps around the hall is fairly spacious, being wide enough to fit numerous tables and chairs overlooking the main floor with room to spare. It is supported by broad wooden beams that stretch from the floor to the ceiling, hanging from which are banners and tapestries...
Kitchens
Library
Temple to Myrvûs
Zal Pamya
The threshold to the Memory Hall is plain, save for the phrase "Nie zatryzumyl tut" (which translates to "Do not linger here" in Imperial Wythian) carved above the rise. The entryway is also unique in that it is the only threshold in the Entry Hall with a barrier save for the entrance to the Dwerzik itself: two solid oak doors with wrought iron hinges. Passing through these doors reveals a flat, snow-covered field stretching out endlessly in every direction, exceptionally cold and devoid of all light save for the twinkling of the stars. There is a perpetual thunderstorm on the horizon, with flashes of lightning occasionally illuminating the whole of the field. While standing in this space, one is able to concentrate on a specific memory and have it fully realized around them. The memory is concrete and tangible, although events cannot be altered in any way.
Trivia
- The hunk of limestone used in the creation of the Dwerzik's entrance was a gift given to Kastus by his father, Ihar, prior to his son's departure for Vyssíjórgen Academy. It is inscribed with the phrase "Jestem vizada z toba. Otidet zdaj vi vel'kosti", which roughly translates to "I am always with you. Go now unto greatness" in Wythian.
- Kastus began thinking about the Dwerzik's design in 402 AU, initially intending for it to serve as a travelling palace for his wife and son so that they might join him on his journeys abroad. He began adapting the design for the Argent Company soon after his rescue at their hands, when the lack of a secure base of operations in Acton resulted in the abduction of Matthew Stanton.
- The Zal Pamya has been used by four of the five members of the Company: Leighton, George, Kastus, and Vesser. Of those four, only Vesser and Kastus have used the Hall more than once, with Leighton using it on his first night in the Dwerzik to view Cranwich Motte and George entering the Hall on the evening of September 18th in a failed attempt to glean information from a magically-obscured parchment.
- Since the bestowment of citizenship upon the non-Sevnóni members of the Company on the 2nd of September, their Sevnóni names have appeared in Ostromiric above the entrance to their bedchambers: Leiktun Thrystinovich Ullystyr (Leighton Allister), Yurij Valtyrovich Kadougyn (George Cadougan), and Vesyr Vesyrovich Khaymor (Vesser Highmore). As Bogurt has yet to share the name of his father or his family's surname, the rise above his bedchamber door is blank.