Crystallion Hall

Palatine Hill

Purpose / Function

The Crystallion Hall is where the emperor of the Imperium holds court. From upon his Throne of Glass, various supplicants arrive each day to pay him homage. The hall is closed during the mornings to allow for meetings with strategoi, magistrates, local officials, decurions, and religious leaders.

Architecture

The Crystallion is an octagonal shaped building crowned with a dome and supported by eight arches. Each archway forms a niche and each niche is pierced by two stained glass windows which illuminate the space. These niches are actually quite large, about ten meters in diameter. The space is further illuminated by enchanted chandeliers which float aimlessly above each apse and are not tethered to any one part of the chamber. Only the Master of Locks knows how to move them.

• In the center of the Hall, the dome’s oculus looks down upon a sundial mosaic. This mosaic is magical in nature and keeps track not only of the hour of the day but also the days of the week, the month, and the year in accordance with the Heavenly Codex calendar. Its tiles move silently and one can stand atop it without feeling them move beneath. The sundial was believed to have been constructed in the last years of the Mithril Era by the then-court artificer Holonydias.

• On the eastern side, a raised platform supports a mighty, high-backed chair, the Throne of Glass. Made during the Mithril Era, the Throne of Glass is a legendary artifact said to allow the individual who sits upon it to discern the truthfulness of any statement uttered before them. Individuals wishing for an imperial pardon or to make a deal with the emperor are required to give testimony before the Throne.

• On the northeastern side, an oratory contains several relics from the Mithril Era, such as the Scepter of Koréni. It also houses a changing station which allows the emperor to don various ceremonial outfits depending on the occasion.

• The northern apse, called the Reception, is of course where officials wait to meet with their emperor.

• The northwestern apse houses the imperial steward’s chambers and is where the Master of Locks keeps the keys to the palace.

Alternative Names

The Hall of One Thousand Crystal Mirrors

Type

Palace

Parent Location

Holy Imperial Palace of Iskendra

Owner

Orestes Emmanuel Dardanos III

Owning Organization

Imperium of Iskendra