Domus Imperium
I, Klaudis v'Mendygon, am very please to announce that a mere ten years after I commissioned it the Domus Imperium, my gift to the people of Bludynor, has been built. While there is still work to be done, painting, furnishing, and other finishing details, this represents a major milestone towards opening its doors to you, my fellow citizens.
The entire building was built in a U shape. At the bottom, a group of local red marble columns hold up a small gallery connecting the two sides. There are a total of three floors on either side. For the ease of the average citizen, the ground floor is dedicated to the things he needs, such as magistrates or tax offices. The west side has grand rooms for large functions. Housing the major committees and government offices, it includes city planning, the high court, and the city's defenses. My offices and those of my most trusted advisors are on the east side of the structure. In addition, the architects have squeezed in a few smaller rooms for private meetings. No aspect of government was overlooked.
And he built a bridge from his fortified home to the Domus so he doesn't have to walk in the street like everyone else.
I hear people saying, "Decorating the Domus is a waste of money." It is not a waste; it is an investment. All the detailed architecture and fine finishes will awe visitors to our city. Once they see our level of sophistication, they will want to do business here. And, that will bring massive amounts of money to you, the people of Bludynor.
Purpose / Function
For those of you who are new to the project, this building behind me will be the new home of government. No longer will time be wasted traveling between offices scattered around the city. Instead, all the various committees, officials, and clerks will be housed in one building. Everyone will now easily and efficiently conduct their governmental business.
More like make Klaudis look grandiose.
Alterations
As you can see, instead of demolishing the Church of St. Ravana, it has been incorporated into the building. This church, one of the oldest in Bludynor, has various frescos and mosaics dating from when the true faith spread to our city. Saints, martyrs and even city fathers are depicted. For that reason, I instructed my architect to preserve the church and protect our heritage. Even the aggregate marble columns that once flanked the church's isles can still be seen within the new walls.
The patriarch has threatened sanctions due to this atrocity.
Architecture
Now you will agree, as an influential, sovereign city, we must appear impressive. To that end, I hired some of the pre-eminent architects and artists. The architect Titer di Vel had the marble statues of Bludynor's heroes carved for the surrounding niches. And if you look up at the ceilings in the colonnades, you will see the fine white and blue tiles brought from the black desert. He even placed twelve and fifteen paneled glass windows in the stories above. All this designed to dazzle foreign visitors.
In the next phase of development, the famed artist Kalhitus will decorate the halls of this significant building. He promises to take the stories of the Laoi and paint frescoes based on them. In addition, he plans to place more statues of our heroes and important citizens in the state rooms. Finally, I have furniture makers, mercers, and rug makers creating the furnishings of this all important building. Know that no corner will be cut, no detail overlooked because this is my gift to you, my fellow citizens.
His gift? Bah! I hear he takes twice what this monstrosety costs in salary.
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