Sorik Manor
Sorik Manor stands as a monument to opulence amidst the gloom of Chernorov, a town otherwise marked by decay and despair. Originally a town hall, this expansive gated estate has been transformed by the ruling Gospodar, Viktor Sorik, into his personal residence. The manor, robust and multi-leveled, is distinguished by its considerable interior spaces designed for large gatherings, spaces intended for feasts, games, and even concerts. Its architecture features a towering roof and an operational bell tower, which serves a dual purpose of architectural beauty and a practical alarm system to summon Viktor's troops in times of trouble.
Constructed primarily from wood - including the roof, supports, and upper walls - the manor's foundation and cellar are the only parts made of stone. Viktor's efforts to infuse the estate with the grandeur of his family's villa in the capital are palpably evident, though somewhat diminished by Chernorov’s persistent mists and the damp, challenging terrain that stifles more substantial architectural ambitions. The town’s pervasive dreariness seeps into every crevice, dulling the colors and casting a perpetual pall over the estate.
Inside, however, Sorik Manor is a different world. Viktor has spared no expense in crafting an interior that contrasts sharply with the external environment. Thick, plush carpets cover rustic wooden floors, intricate curtains drape the windows, filtering light while shielding the interior from the bleak outside world. Every piece of furniture, crafted by master artisans from beyond the town's borders, is meticulously maintained. Viktor’s servants are tasked with an exhaustive daily regimen of dusting, cleaning, and airing out the spaces to combat the encroaching dampness - a routine rumored to facilitate secret rendezvous between one of the Gospodar’s guards and his commoner lover during brief moments when the mist recedes, aided by the sympathetic staff.
To the impoverished citizens of Chernorov, Sorik Manor is a symbol of infuriating extravagance. Viktor's indulgence in lavish parties, where his inner circle enjoys exotic foods and lively entertainment, starkly contrasts with the townspeople's suffering. They watch from a distance, their resentment growing as they grapple with hunger and disease. Meanwhile, Viktor surrounds himself with mercenaries, well-compensated to disregard the plight of the locals. This detachment only fuels the townsfolk’s simmering anger, making the manor not just a bastion of luxury, but a fortress of simmering tensions, waiting for a spark.
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