The Imperial Palace and Citadel

Purpose / Function

The Imperial City as a whole is believed to be the oldest city in the entirety of the Freelands and older still is the Imperial Palace and Citadel. It served as the throne of the first and last Elvish Empress, as the throne for the first and last Highlander King and former old Holy Order, and currently stands as the current seat of power of the Hierophant of the Holy Order of the Light.

Alterations

Over the centuries the Citadel and Palace have been altered and rebuilt to serve whomever is living there at the time. Entire halls and wings have been closed or opened every generation; with countless works of art, sculptures, and tapestries moved and removed as the current ruler saw fit. Though much of it was destroyed or sealed by the Holy Order of the Light over the past few centuries.

Architecture

The architecture is a weird mix of Elvish and Human in nature, the bones of the city as well as the palace are Elvish in nature with layers upon layers of Human architecture built on top of it. The western wing, known as the Imperial Palace, served as the home of the Highlander King; with its many halls housing the throne and its many rooms serving House Highlander. The eastern wing, known as the Imperial Citadel, served as the home of the Holy Order before it became the Holy Order of the Light. Since the Great Rebellion, the western wing and halls have remained sealed and abandoned.

Defenses

The palace was once thought to impregnable, until the Highlander King sacked it during the Great Revolution. Generations upon generations of Highlander Kings added to its defenses in fear of the return of the Elves. What House Highlander didn't expect was an attack from within, at the hands of the New Blood's Warforged and the Holy Order of the Light's Templars.

History

The Palace and Citadel is roughly 8000 years old, it is ancient and possibly older than the surrounding city. In fact it may very well be the oldest building in the entirety of the Freelands. It was the location of the final confrontation of the Great Revolution, and of the first battle of the Great Rebellion. There is more blood soaked in these halls than stone.

Tourism

These days many pilgrims visit the Citadel, seeking to join the Holy Order of the Light and become a Templar themselves; usually either out of religious devotion and zealotry or for financial security and general safety. The Palace half however, sealed to all including the Hierophant themself.

Founding Date

2000

Alternative Names

The former Palace Elvish Empire of Alfheim, The former shared Citadel of The Kingdom of Man and the Holy Order

Type

Acropolis / Citadel

Parent Location

The Imperial City

Owner

Father Innocent XIII The Hierophant of the Holy Order of the Light

Ruling/Owning Rank

The Hierophant

Owning Organization

The Holy Order of the Light