The New Utsvayan Palace

The island houses the royal court and its servants.... and I suppose their servants too. The queen, her husband, and someday the princess, each have a group of noble courtiers that serve them. In addition, there are the government officials such as the lord chancellor and their underlings. All the nobles and the castle itself are taken care of by the servants. We have everything from highly skilled artisans to unskilled workers, from a master armorer to a pot scrubber. Basically, we have anyone a small town might have.

Many people would tell you that the government is simply whatever the queen wants. But the reality is much more complex. Each official is in charge of his own staff. I work for the lord chamberlain, who is responsible for Her Majesty's living quarters, including those away from the palace. There is the treasurer, the chancellor, the marshal, the palace steward, and the palace's chief butler. While part of the queen's government, the high priestess isn't answerable to anyone but the gods but does have a residence here.

Other than the guards, the palace doesn't have a great deal of defenses. We are surrounded by the Grand Lake. By breaking the causeway, we can make the complex difficult to assault. The front of the island is protected by a brick wall: the rest by a wooden palisade. Both at the front of the island and to the royal court, the gates can be reinforced by wooden beams. The marquetry gate is weaker but can be sealed.

Except for water, we can withstand a siege of up to six months without eating the furniture. We do have a cistern that holds enough water for about a month with minimal rationing. Beyond that, there is the lake. It's safe, just not as tasty.

You will have noticed the beautiful purple glazed walls on either side of the gate. Believe it or not, that vibrant hue comes from a glaze made of hematite unique to the Grand Lake. The bronze gate was heated in selected places to color the many waterfowl sculpted into it.

Moving along, we come to the court of the ministers. Either side of the gate is the guard posts, barracks, and the grand marshal's home. We have rooms set aside along the front wall for visiting generals. Around the courtyard are the rest of the high government official's pavilions, including the lord chamberlain, lord treasurer, and lord chancellor. Each complex has offices and personal rooms for not only the high official but his underlings too. As the most public space, anyone with court business may enter.

At the back of the court is another gate. Ten different types of wood were used in the marquetry. With the artisan's amazing skill, our national symbol, the swan, appears to take flight. Take a deep breath. That sweet Citrus smell wafts down from the recently transplanted magnolia trees in this courtyard. If you look down, the orange colored stones are where Kthonios froze a dragon's breath. Can you feel them vibrate as you walk on them?

This is the court of guests. As with most capitals, the palace receives visitors from around the world. Each needs a room or two for themselves and servants. In addition, most of the courtiers are housed here. Though, some of the dearest to the queen and her husband live in their courts. In the west, the large red doors lead to the shadow puppet theater. The guest banquet hall is to the east. A wide assortment of entertainment is held there. Please note the figures glittering in gold and silver leaf. These are inspired by various folk tales Queen Dmara is fond of. Finally next to that, the public shrine fulfills the resident's religious needs.

As you can see, the heavy carved wooden gates separating this court from the rest of the castle are even more elaborately carved. The silver plated lunar moths are Queen Dmara's personal emblem, and the gilt otters represent the royal family. Most visitors to the castle don't get any farther. But like other very special guests, you are invited into the highest court. To the left, as we enter, is Her Majesty's chambers, and next door is her husband's rooms. To the right, they are working on Princess Heunsa's chambers. Ahead is the royal banquet hall. And yes, that is real glass in those narrow windows. You will be staying next door. The rooms all have fire places, soft beds, and warm furs. And for your servants, there is a trundle.

"The castle's servants?" you ask. Don't worry. All of those rooms are at the back of the palace as to not disturb more important people. Thanks to cleaver architects, the halls and doors are mostly hidden. It is the palace staff's desire to be as unobtrusive as possible.

While we usually don't discuss the palace's assets with outsiders, I can confirm the royal treasury is here. It contains a variety of items from coinage to clothing. Of course, Her Majesty would say that our true treasure is all the talented people who work here.