“The Gilded Bastion”
Gralhund Manor stands as a defiant emblem of new money asserting its place among
Waterdeep’s old elite. A recent construction by Waterdhavian Elite standards, the estate replaced two entire city blocks of
North Ward homes and businesses—razed to make way for the ambitions of
Aethor Gralhund, the current patriarch of
House Gralhund. Though newer than most noble estates, the manor exudes opulence with a boldness that verges on arrogance.
Exterior and Structure
Built of pale stone with copper accents that have begun to green with age, Gralhund Manor occupies a corner of the North Ward like a merchant prince staking a claim. Wide boulevards wrap around its perimeter, offering onlookers ample opportunity to gawk—or sneer—at its imposing walls and ornate iron gates.
Gargoyle statues line the rooftop, perched at regular intervals. Though officially decorative, rumors persist that they are enchanted sentries, watching silently for intruders and poised to strike should the grounds be trespassed.
The surrounding gardens are manicured within an inch of their lives—strictly ornamental, arranged more for visual impact than natural beauty. The structure itself rises in three tiers, with the highest portion housing the private Gralhund family quarters. The western wing features an elaborate marble balcony overlooking the inner courtyard, from which Aethor Gralhund makes dramatic public appearances.
Interior: The Ballroom and Social Heart
The most iconic feature of Gralhund Manor is its grand ballroom, a space designed for spectacle as much as celebration. Accessed by double doors from the main foyer, the ballroom boasts a polished marble floor, high vaulted ceilings draped in gold-threaded banners, and a circular central bar with a raised stage in its middle. Entertainers, musicians, and speakers often perform there, visible from all corners of the room.
To one end of the ballroom lies a designated cocktail area, where guests can lounge on velvet cushions, sip expensive wine, and engage in courtly gossip. The opposite side features a broad dance floor, lit by enchanted chandeliers that dim or brighten based on the mood of the music.
Dominating the rear wall is a broad balcony of white marble, accessed by a curving double staircase. It serves both a practical and theatrical purpose: allowing the host family to make their grand entrance from above, descending amid fanfare and applause.
Reputation and Role in Recent Events
Gralhund Manor has increasingly become a favored venue for noble galas and charity auctions, though few believe such events are purely altruistic. Aethor Gralhund uses the estate to cement his family’s status, curry favor with the city’s elite, and broadcast his influence over the North Ward.
At a recent Gralhund Gala, the estate played host to a high-society gathering that included music, auctions, and an explosive engagement announcement between
Lilith Gralhund and
Carthallo Rell.
Though not a fortress by design, the manor maintains a formidable private guard, and its interior layout has been described by some as “defensive in spirit.” To those without invitation or purpose, the manor is as impenetrable as any castle—albeit one clad in satin and gold.
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