Penka's Folly
Penka's Folly is a large barracks-turned-inn in Sigur, built by Empress Penka IX in 98 BE, and currently operated by Florin Fort-Escu as the headquarters of the Gol-Kasha Scofflaws' Guild.
Purpose / Function
Penka's Folly contains dozens of private rooms (the majority of which are closed and unsuited for use as of yet), a large taproom (currently undergoing refitting by Urgen Boulderbeard), a stable, several private meeting areas, a back room originally for officers now dedicated to the Scofflaws' Guild, a privvy, and a small hospital. There is also a small office crammed under the ground-floor staircase used by "Master" Kronklin, as well as a cellar which has largely been converted into a laboratory by Eşec.
Given that Penka's Folly is a holding of the Scofflaws' Guild, it is legally — as observed by the Church of Eighteen Eyes and the Vekhen Empire — a monastery of the Lord of Bridges & Baubles, and thus belongs to Them rather than Florin himself (who remains unable to legally own property, being a Scofflaw).
Architecture
Penka's Folly is a four-storey rectangular manse with a mansard roof and an underground cellar. The manse is divided into the central greatroom and staircase, and two wings on either side. The greatroom rises through three of the four storeys, with the staircase wrapping around the interior walls, and is dominated by a large once-echanted chandelier that has been dormant for decades. The bottom floor of the greatroom once served as a concierge as well as lobby and feasthall, but has since been appropriated into a taproom.
The front and back of the Folly features fifteen large rectangular six-paned windows per floor on every floor, save the top — which has its windows replaced with the same amount of dormers in the same amount — and the facade of the first floor, which has its central window replaced by large double doors, capable of passing two horses and a carriage through if required.
The north wing on the ground floor features a kitchen, servants quarters — where Florin resides — and a small hospital that can accomodate 40 beds. The south wing contains meeting rooms, war rooms, and an (empty) armoury, as well as access to the external stables. The first and second floors contain 11 apartments per wing, with the first ten on each side of the building being large apartments capable of housing between one to six individuals — depending on original purpose — whilst the back room at the furthest extent of each wing is a barracks that can accomodate 60 beds each. The top storey is primarily dedicated to storage space, with chambers to accomodate several years worth of supplies in the event of a seige.
It is of note that, whilst the Folly could house over 300 individuals, it is currently equipped to house fewer than 50 due to disrepair and lack of resources.
Defenses
It is believed that Penka's Folly was originally planned to have magical defenses placed upon its walls and windows, though these were never finished. A perimeter wall was also suggested and planned, though construction was abandoned when Aomeni fighting styles became clear to favouring skirmish tactics, as opposed to direct assault or protracted seige.
History
The original barracks was intended to be a luxurious staging-ground and hospital for troops from the Vekhen Empire as they invaded Gol-Kasha, intending to reassert imperial authority over the Duchy.
The barracks was ultimately abandoned after massive investment in 94 BE when Penka's forces withdrew from the region, and was left empty for decades before being purchased by Florin Fort-Escu in 1 AE and converted into an inn and guildhall for the Scofflaws' Guild. Florin chose the name "Penka's Folly" in mockery of its original construction, both due to it being gaudy and ill-suited for its original purpose, and because of Empress Penka's hubris in thinking she could reconquer the region.
Since reopening its doors, Penka's Folly has become a focal point for life in Sigur as a hub of trade and a booming local economy in support of the Guild.
Founding Date
98 BE
Type
Mansion / Villa
Parent Location
Owner
Owning Organization
Comments