Frostcask Keep
Frostcask Keep is the ancestral home of the Frostcask family, renowned for producing Frosted Ale. Built from sturdy stone and dark wood, the keep serves both as the family residence and the heart of their brewing operations. Surrounded by high walls and expansive barley fields, the estate features underground cellars where barrels of ale are aged to perfection. The interior blends warmth and elegance, with dark wood paneling, tapestries, and grand hearths. Key to the family's success is a secret underground spring used in their brewing process. Steeped in tradition and history, the keep symbolizes the Frostcask family's long-standing legacy in Golden Cliff.
Purpose / Function
Frostcask Keep serves as the ancestral home of the Frostcask family and is the heart of their brewing operations. It houses both the family and the main facilities for producing their signature Frosted Ale. The keep also functions as a meeting place for high-profile business transactions, where brewing contracts and alliances are negotiated.
Design
The interior of Frostcask Keep reflects the family’s appreciation for understated elegance. Dark wood paneling lines the walls, adorned with portraits of past family members and scenes of brewing. Tapestries depicting golden barley fields and harvest festivals cover the stone walls, adding warmth to the otherwise cool structure. Grand chandeliers, made of iron and fashioned to resemble intertwined barley stalks, illuminate the large hallways. Each room is a careful blend of comfort and practicality, with a focus on craftsmanship rather than opulence.
Entries
Main Gate: A large iron gate flanked by stone towers marks the main entrance to the keep. It leads to a long, tree-lined path toward the central courtyard.
Service Entrance: At the rear of the keep, a more discreet entrance is used for transporting barrels of ale to and from the brewery. This entry is heavily guarded to prevent theft.
Secret Tunnel: There is a hidden passage beneath the keep that leads to an underground chamber in the nearby hills. This tunnel is a well-kept family secret, used in emergencies or for transporting high-value goods.
Sensory & Appearance
As you approach the keep, the rich scent of brewing ale fills the air, mingling with the earthy aroma of the surrounding barley fields. The stone walls, covered in ivy, stand solid against the backdrop of the horizon. The quiet hum of activity from the brewery contrasts with the otherwise peaceful surroundings, and the air is always crisp and cool, a perfect environment for brewing. Inside, the warmth of the wood paneling and the flicker of firelight from grand hearths create a welcoming and homey atmosphere.
Contents & Furnishings
The keep is filled with finely crafted, practical furnishings, from large wooden tables in the great hall to hand-carved chairs in the family dining room. Barrels of aged Frosted Ale line the underground cellars, each meticulously labeled. A grand stone hearth dominates the main hall, surrounded by cushioned armchairs and high-backed wooden seats. In the personal quarters, rich tapestries and plush rugs provide comfort, while family heirlooms, like golden goblets and ornate brewing tools, are displayed in locked cabinets.
Valuables
The most valuable items in Frostcask Keep are the carefully aged barrels of Frosted Ale, some of which have been stored for decades and are considered priceless. The family also possesses a collection of rare brewing tools, passed down through generations, including a golden stirring rod said to have belonged to the first Frostcask brewmaster. Additionally, the family holds a number of exclusive brewing contracts and trade agreements, kept in a secure vault within the keep.
Special Properties
Frostcask Keep is built over an underground spring, which is used in the brewing process. The water from this spring is believed to be the secret behind the smooth, crisp finish of Frosted Ale. The keep also possesses an ancient family brewing stone, a relic used in rituals that are said to bless each batch of ale brewed within the estate. This stone is kept in the deepest part of the cellar, where only family members are allowed to visit.
Alterations
Over the centuries, Frostcask Keep has undergone several expansions. Initially a modest estate, it has grown to include vast underground cellars and storage rooms for aging barrels of ale. The addition of a small watchtower in the last century was a response to growing regional tensions, although it’s rarely used for defense. A new wing was added in recent decades for hosting festivals and important guests.
Architecture
The architecture of the keep is a blend of traditional stone masonry and more refined woodwork. The main building is constructed of heavy gray stone, giving it a sense of strength and permanence. Wooden beams, stained dark, run along the ceilings and overhangs, adding warmth to the structure. Vines of creeping ivy adorn the outer walls, lending it an old-world charm, while large, stained glass windows depict barley fields and brewing scenes. The keep is practical yet elegant, reflecting the family’s traditional values.
Defenses
While not primarily a fortress, Frostcask Keep has modest defenses. High stone walls surround the estate, and a sturdy iron gate guards the main entrance. A small force of family guards is stationed at the keep, mainly for protection against thieves, but the defenses are more ceremonial than military. The surrounding fields are open, allowing for a clear view of any approaching threats, and there are hidden passageways beneath the keep for emergencies.
History
Frostcask Keep was originally built by Aldor Frostcask, the founder of the family brewing empire. Starting as a simple farmhouse, the estate expanded as the family’s wealth grew. The keep has withstood various challenges, including an attempted raid by a rival brewing family and a fire that nearly consumed the western wing. Each addition to the keep has been made with respect for tradition, and it stands as a monument to the family’s resilience and success.
