Palace of the Lioness

The Palace of the Lioness was the seat of power for the Queendom of Leland. It was looted and destroyed following the Silver Eagle Rebellion in 711.

Construction

A suitable site

Following The Great Invasion, as decisions regarding the future of Leland were taking place, the search for the seat of the new consolidated power began. A site was eventually found on the banks of the Coativan River, just south of the Newcord Peaks. It offered proximity to the northern border for the queen in the event of a second invasion as well as ease of access to northern mines for building material and a waterway for trade. On the 1st of Onary in 1SU Carina Ahyen was coronated on the top of the hill that would one day be the home of her successors.

Materials

Stone was sourced from the northern mines. Wood was sourced from the forests of the Cesnockwe territory.

Completion

The Palace of the Lioness was completed under the rule of Suncica Ayhen, the daughter of Carina Ahyen, in 11SU. Suncica and her family moved into the palace and continued to oversee the completion of the surrounding city of Harmonil in 27SU. 

The Seat of Power

A Royal Palace

Though in its first years the palace was simply furnished, over the centuries it would grow to be a symbol of opulence. The palace lived up to its golden name, with gold finishings in every room. Master artisans from all corners of Leland contributed to the decor. The royal gardens were tended to by master floseurs. 

Underground tunnels

As a way to ensure the safety of Leland, the ruling queen needed easy access to the military she was to Command, which was based just outside the palace walls. A network of underground tunnels was created to connect the palace with the military complex. In the late years of the queendom, these tunnels would be expanded to include the headquarters of the Secret Guard of The Golden Guard.

A Violent End

With the assassination of Elena Ahyen in 711 and the anti-imperant violence that broke out as a result, there was nothing that could stop the rioting and looting of the palace. By 712, most of the structure had been brought to ruin and anything of value had already been stolen, including the Crown of the Golden Lioness.

A Second Life

As Harmonil rebuilt in the shadow of the once gleaming palace, the ruins remained as they were for many years. Parts of the palace and the gardens have now been rebuilt and the old palace complex houses a museum about the queendom period.

RUINED STRUCTURE
712

Founding Date

11