Whirlan Embassy

A sprawling, white and gold building on the edge of Whirlan's capital, the Whirlan Embassy houses living quarters and meeting rooms for emissaries and dignitaries from the neighboring countries. These rooms include suites for royalty, dining halls for nobles and servants alike, and studies for foreign visitors. A section of the city near the building has been set aside for residents from other countries who require the services of the embassy.

Purpose / Function

The embassy was built by King Lucardo in 1392 to house visiting nobles. The king was tired of foreign dignitaries taking up space in the palace, and requested that a place be made for them to stay. In order to fit enough people, the king compromised with architects, agreeing that permanent residents or long-term visitors would get precedence over messengers and short-term guests. The building was originally built to hold up to 5,000 people at one time, but alterations made over the years have since pushed that number up to nearly 7,000.

Alterations

The first alterations made to the building were in 1517. The king at the time added an entire wing to one side to host meetings closer to the visiting dignitaries instead of forcing them to walk all the way to the palace. Nearly a hundred years later, another king added another wing, with additional living quarters and meeting rooms. In 1964, modern plumbing (equivalent to 19th-century plumbing on earth) was installed to provide easier living. Several renovations have taken place over the years as well, mostly cosmetic changes to certain rooms and the addition of decorations and outside areas.

Architecture

The building is made out of pearly white stone that is kept polished all the time. It looks rather imposing, even more so than the palace to some. The domed roofs are plated with gold and the doors are made of carved, darkened wood. The architectural style is entirely different from the fortress-like stone palace, with towering columns and rounded buildings instead the palace's blocky walls and modest height.

It is a beautiful builing, Father. I think I will enjoy my time here. My suite is almost as large as my room at home, and the dining hall serves such delectable meals. You would love it.

— Princess Tasia to her father

Founding Date

1392

Type

Embassy

Fatal Alliances

In the history of Whirlan, there have only been two attempts by other countries to destroy the monarchy in a way other than reasonably declaring war. One succeeded, and one failed miserably. One was recent, and the other took place five hundred years ago.
In 1586, the king of Tierhal was invited to Whirlan to sign a trade agreement. While he was there, his nephew and other members of his court decided to stage a coup. Their plan was rather well thought-out, but they neglected to take into account the king of Whirlan's children: Prince Leo, who had connections at the embassy, and Princess Amaria, who often spied on meetings.
Thanks to the siblings, guards were able to sneak into the embassy and capture the plotters, who were interrogated and executed. The Tierhalan king signed the treaty and went home to root out corruption, and the prince and princess were rewarded for their planning.