Castle Embershard
Castle Embershard was built atop the ruin of an older fortress. Built by artisans, wizards, and workers taken from the population of Pluto during the time Vividia was having its name and culture striped from the city. The castle was built by Elderin Embershard in the early 300's of the 1st Era and later added on to by Alexander Embershard in the late 400's. At night it's towers glow with the pin pricks of lantern light in it's many windows and large gaunt shadows stretch in the daytime as the sun spans the sky.
Purpose / Function
The castle was primarly constructed as a show of wealth and power when Vividia was conquered in the year 307 of the 1st Era but its purpose is the same as any castle. The sole purpose of Castle Embershard is to protect the Embershard family line and the Treasury of the kingdom at all costs. Several guardsmen patrol this castle day and night; rain or shine. This is the beating heart of the kingdom and its strength should be displayed as such when visited by any player.
Design
Most rooms will either be very big in this castle or quite average in size. Big rooms on average have a height of 18 feet and a length/width of 30x30. The more average sized rooms have a height of 8 to 9 feet and a length/width of 12x12. Many suits of armor stand vigil in long wide halls with their backs to the wall. These halls have a length/width of 20x8 on average and may just feature a couple of animated suits of armor that will awaken if the castle interior is ever threatened.
Entries
Most windows feature glass and have bars. Due to the possibility of an aerial attack or intrusion, the bars were placed to prevent such an occurrence from happening easily. Most doors in the castle are made of heavy Kingwood(Violetwood) and are reinforced with tight copper bands. Some areas of the castle can be sealed with the many portcullis that can be let down. Halls and doors may be sealed to prevent a thief, killer or other kind of intruder from escaping the lords justice.
Sensory & Appearance
The castle always has a familiar scent to Lilacs and Honeysuckle possibly due to the many open sky gardens that the castle features. The Travertine floors seem to be waxed everyday while tables featuring wines and flowers are cleaned and replaced. Oil lamps, candles and chandeliers help light the enormous structure when the sun sets and several fireplaces are maintained to keep the area being occupied warm and comfortable.
Denizens
King Azeil Embershard, Arch Miles Godfrey, Captain Carric Wasanthi and several dozen servants.
Contents & Furnishings
The castle contains so many rooms and gardens that you can find just about every kind of furnishing here. For specific furnishings, see page 298 in the Dungeons & Dragons Dungeon Master's Guide for 5th Edition.
Valuables
The castle holds one of the largest treasuries by any one kingdom. An exact amount may be kept by the King or his most trusted servant but is for the most part, unknown. The Treasury is guarded day and night and only a select few can access it under certain circumstances. Guards live in this section of the castle and ensure nobody without the proper authority goes near the treasury.
Hazards & Traps
As previously stated, the castle has several suits of animated armor that will come to life in case the castle is attacked. That however, is not the only enchanting defense the castle has at its disposal. Rugs of smothering are also a hazard when up to no good in the castle. Once an animated rug smothers its prey into unconsciousness, an animated suit of armor will haul the intruder to Captain Carric Wasanthi: the castles head of security.
Special Properties
Hidden passages can be found all over the castle and may hide things from an age past that has long been forgotten about. Always be on the lookout for the most intricate and deceiving of secret doors or illusions when exploring its halls.
Alterations
Lord Alexander Embershard made many minor alterations to the castle interior during his rule. His desire for expansive libraries and special rooms dedicated to magical artifacts have been swept under the rug of history and have been ripped away to make room for the gardens. When the castle stops going through alterations is when someone who treads these halls everyday would be surprised.
Architecture
The architecture of the castle is very Gothic with large skeletal like arches spanning from its base and midsection and connecting with other surrounding towers. This gives the most expansive section of the castle(its mid-section) more stability from quakes and inclement weather that may otherwise damage the structure. The inside is very open as its tall ceilings and big rooms reflect the wealth and nobility of its occupants as well as those who came before. Large winding staircases and sudden open courtyards to the outside are common place here and its what truly makes this castle a wonder to behold both inside and out.
Type
Castle
Parent Location
Included Locations
Environmental Effects
Room examples in the castle are as follows:
Armory, Audience Chamber, Banquet hall, Barracks, Bedrooms, Chapel, Cisterns, Guardrooms, Kitchens, Libraries, Galleries, Workshops, Training and exercise room, bathhouse, Prison Dungeon, Aviary, study, dressing rooms, family crypts, storage, smithy forge, sitting rooms, torture chamber, gardens, pantries, etc.
