The Palace of Shade

Near the southern outskirts of the Opes desert lies the remnants of one of the ancient cities of the Aeons Past, its stonework slowly being claimed by the encroaching sands. However, within these crumbling ruins can be found another, more recent relic of the past. Rising above the worn walls and arches of the Ancients sits a huge domed building, far newer than its surroundings, but no less abandoned.
If one were to enter this dome one would be instantly struck by the coolness of the air within, in stark contrast to the oppressive heat of the surrounding landscape. There are no windows or apertures in the vaulted ceiling, yet there is still a faint light that seems to permeate from the brickwork itself. In the centre of the great chamber sits a huge dry fountain of the same architectural style as the city without: curving, sculpted and strangely organic. It was this fountain that once brought life to this husk at the edge of civilisation

Purpose / Function

The Palace of shade was a resting spot for the weary caravans that meandered their way through the unforgiving deserts. It provided shade and cool water to merchants and traders, and provided an opportunity for eager buyers to see goods before it reached the markets and arcades elsewhere.

Architecture

The building is a simple large dome, constructed around an ancient fountain of the Past. the outer layer of stonework is simple limestone, polished to reflect as much heat as possible. The inner decorative layer, however, is constructed from Phosphorine, a stone found in the Appen mountains of the Black baronies which produces a faint warmless blue glow after being exposed to sunlight. Even when in the dark, it can continue to emit light for many decades.

History

The Palace of shade was constructed by one of the first merchants consortiums in the early years of the Age of foundation. The fountain was already a well known landmark, and tents and marquees were commonly found around it. The palace was built to showcase the wealth of this consortium and to draw more traders to join their group, at which it certainly succeeded. This continued for many years, until one morning the fountain suddenly ran dry. Not wishing to disturb the fountain and possibly incur the wrath of the Ancients, it was decided to abandon the palace as it was clearly forsaken. Now, lost wanderers may stumble upon its white shell and be thankful for the shade it provides, but without the water that was its lifeblood they quickly move on, and all becomes quiet once more.

RUINED STRUCTURE
2984

Type

Fountain