The Crystalline Tower

The Crystalline Tower defies gravity above a terrifyingly thin column of crystal and ice protruding from the frozen wastelands some hundred yards below. The height of the column exceeds its' tallest neighbour by more than seventy feet.   The castle is surrounded by a garden maze, meticulously kept by an army of royal staff. The Tower's gardens stretch in size to such an extent that they dwarf even the magnificent glasshouses that the city's rare travellers come to whisper of. The area of these gardens is estimated to exceed ninety hectares, though its' exact size can only be estimated.   At its' lowest, the tower is five storeys high, its' highest points exceeding sixteen stories. These storeys each reach at least four metres (thirteen feet) high.   Hallways, ballrooms, secret passageways and staircases combine to create a labyrinthine structure, overwhelming in its' size and layout for those unaccustomed.   Such architecture is intentional; a clever defense against attacks on Tayver House.   There are rumours within the city of haunted hallways, of dungeons and towers filled with lost dead men.   The tower appears, at least from a distance, to be made entirely of glittering, ice-like crystal. Marble accents and gold and silver filigree abound.