Evershade Hall

Evershade Hall is a testament to the grandeur of its lineage and the resilience of its people, a place where history’s shadows and enduring strength intertwine. Its very name—Evershade—speaks to its dual legacy: a sanctuary that offers steadfast protection to its inhabitants while remaining forever bound by the weight of past tragedies. This is not merely a residence, but a symbol of renewal, built to honor the sacrifices that shaped the world of Areeott and to inspire future generations to persevere.

Inspired by the palatial designs of history’s greatest estates, Evershade Hall reflects both the grandeur of a noble house and the poignant events that brought it to life. It stands as a living memorial to the Serance family’s trials during the Arin Civil War and as a beacon of hope for all who look upon its alabaster walls. The hall’s purpose transcends its physical structure; it is a place of remembrance, unity, and resilience, offering a vision of strength to the people of Rinlin and the greater Seinrill Barony.

Through its vast gardens, towering Great Dome, and richly adorned halls, Evershade Hall reminds all who enter that greatness is forged not in ease but through the fire of adversity. As the Serance family lives within its walls, so too does the enduring spirit of those who fought and sacrificed for Areeott's future. Forever in the shade of history yet unyielding in its promise of protection, Evershade Hall stands as a timeless emblem of strength and purpose.

Evershade Hall has undergone thoughtful alterations over the centuries, shaped by the enduring peace of Areeott and the Serance family’s evolving role as stewards of the canton of Rinlin. Built upon the ruins of Castle Serance—a fortress that had stood proudly for three centuries before its destruction early in the Arin Civil War—the hall’s alterations reflect the transition from a bastion of war to a sanctuary of culture, governance, and remembrance.

Castle Serance, constructed long before the turmoil of the Arin Civil War, served as the ancestral seat of the Serance family and a symbol of their strength and prominence. For three centuries, it stood as a testament to their influence, a beacon of hope in Rinlin, and a bastion of stability during uncertain times. However, this legacy was brought to a violent end when King Amraz, later infamously known as the Heretic King, ordered its destruction during the opening campaigns of the Arin Civil War.

Amraz, whose ambition and ruthless pursuit of dominance drove the conflict to catastrophic heights, saw Castle Serance as a key strategic target. Its destruction was meant not only to weaken the Serance family's influence but also to serve as a message to all who might oppose him. The siege of Castle Serance was swift and brutal; its defenses, while formidable, could not withstand the overwhelming force brought against them. When the walls fell, Amraz’s soldiers reduced the once-magnificent fortress to smoldering ruins, forcing the surviving members of the Serance family to flee and regroup.

The fall of Castle Serance became a rallying cry for resistance against Amraz's tyranny, galvanizing the scattered forces of Areeott and uniting them under leaders like Niko Serance, whose heroism in the war would later define his family’s legacy. Though the castle was lost, the destruction only strengthened the resolve of the Serance family and their allies. Niko's leadership in the war, culminating in his ultimate sacrifice during the Siege of Venlin, cemented the family's reputation as defenders of Areeott's future.

After the war, Corvyn Seinrill, who rose to power following the defeat of Amraz, vowed to honor the sacrifices of the Serance family. Upon the ruins of Castle Serance, he commissioned the construction of Evershade Hall as a tribute to their resilience and a memorial to Niko, his childhood friend. Unlike its predecessor, Evershade Hall was not built as a fortress but as a palace of peace, unity, and cultural renewal. The hall’s design preserved remnants of the original castle within its foundations, ensuring that the legacy of Castle Serance would never be forgotten.

The Tower of Memory, the only standing remnant of Castle Serance, was preserved as a solemn monument to the fallen. Stabilized and restored in the generations following the war, it now houses plaques and carvings commemorating the defenders of Castle Serance and the lives lost during its siege. A great bronze bell crowns the tower, rung annually on the anniversary of the Siege of Venlin in remembrance of those who fought and died for Areeott’s freedom.

The Great Dome of Evershade Hall, fitted with a radiant stained-glass oculus depicting the Serance family crest—a noble falcon mid-flight—stands as a contrast to the violence that destroyed the castle. Sunlight streaming through the oculus casts the crest in vivid colors across the chamber floor, transforming the space into a living tribute to the Serance family’s enduring legacy. The gardens, expanded and refined over the centuries, serve as a living chronicle of peace, filled with fountains and sculptures that celebrate Rinlin’s prosperity and the sacrifices that made it possible.

Through these thoughtful alterations, Evershade Hall has become a beacon of hope and stability, built upon the tragic history of Castle Serance. No army has marched into Areeott and returned victorious, and the hall reflects this truth—not through fortifications or defenses, but through its embodiment of resilience, unity, and the enduring strength of its people. The actions of King Amraz may have brought destruction, but they also forged the legacy that now shines through the alabaster walls of Evershade Hall—a living reminder that even in the face of tyranny, hope and renewal can rise from the ashes.

Evershade Hall is an architectural masterpiece, blending the refined elegance of a palace with the solemnity of a memorial. Built upon the ruins of Castle Serance, its design honors the history of its predecessor while embracing the serene beauty and functionality needed in an era shaped by the Shattering.

The foundation of the hall incorporates remnants of Castle Serance itself, with blocks of blackened stone preserved as part of the base. These sections of darker stone, interwoven with alabaster walls, serve as a deliberate contrast—a visible reminder of the destruction wrought during the Arin Civil War and the renewal that followed.

The hall’s centerpiece is the Great Dome, an awe-inspiring feat of post-Shattering engineering. Its design was inspired by the celestial domes of pre-Shattering Areeott, though it forgoes arcane craftsmanship for intricate masonry and stained glass. At the dome’s apex, the oculus is sealed with an ornate depiction of the Serance family crest: a noble falcon, its wings outstretched in flight. During the day, sunlight streams through the vibrant glass, casting brilliant patterns of gold, blue, and crimson across the central chamber. At night, the dome is illuminated by carefully placed lanterns, creating a tranquil, almost ethereal glow that transforms the hall into a space of reflection and reverence.

The facade of Evershade Hall is constructed from polished alabaster stone, giving it a radiant, almost otherworldly appearance under the sun. Delicate carvings of vines, falcons, and constellations adorn its surfaces, symbolizing the Serance family’s connection to the land, sky, and history. Ornamental buttresses frame the hall’s wings, their designs subtly echoing the fortifications of Castle Serance, though softened to suit the hall’s peaceful purpose.

The western wing, added shortly after the hall’s completion, houses its administrative functions. Council chambers and reception halls within this wing reflect the same meticulous craftsmanship as the rest of the building, with high vaulted ceilings and walls adorned with tapestries depicting pivotal moments in Rinlin’s history. Rich wooden paneling and gold-leaf accents lend the chambers an air of dignity befitting the Serance family’s role in governance.

The Tower of Memory, the only surviving structure from Castle Serance, rises solemnly amidst the gardens. Its rough stone contrasts with the polished elegance of the hall, and its silhouette serves as a constant reminder of the past. The tower’s interior has been restored, its walls lined with plaques commemorating those who perished defending Castle Serance. Spiral staircases lead to the bell chamber, where the great bronze bell rings on solemn occasions.

The gardens of Evershade Hall are an integral part of its architectural design. They extend gracefully from the main structure, their pathways flanked by sculpted hedges and fountains that echo the soft curves of the building itself. At the heart of the gardens is the Reflection Pool, a circular basin surrounded by statues of mythical figures and war heroes. The gardens are meticulously maintained, embodying the hall’s dedication to peace and renewal.

The interiors of Evershade Hall are a harmonious blend of grandeur and warmth. Marble floors inlaid with gold and silver veins lead visitors through vast halls and intimate chambers alike. Chandeliers crafted from crystal and wrought iron hang from vaulted ceilings, casting soft light that enhances the hall’s serene atmosphere. The walls are adorned with tapestries and murals that tell the story of the Serance family, from their founding to their role in the Arin Civil War and beyond.

The library, one of the most significant spaces within the hall, is housed beneath a secondary dome on the eastern wing. Towering bookshelves crafted from dark wood stretch to the ceiling, while rolling ladders provide access to the highest tomes. The library’s reading room features high arched windows that allow natural light to flood the space, illuminating the historical volumes and manuscripts that detail both the history of Rinlin and the greater Barony of Areeott.

Unlike its predecessor, Castle Serance, Evershade Hall eschews the harsh practicality of fortifications and battlements. Instead, its design emphasizes beauty, remembrance, and the enduring legacy of the Serance family. By combining elements of the past with the artistry of the present, the architecture of Evershade Hall stands as a beacon of hope and unity for the people of Rinlin and beyond.

Evershade Hall’s defenses are a reflection of the changing tides of history, built not for war but for stability and resilience. During its earliest days, when magic was still lost to the world after the Shattering, the hall relied on ingenuity and resourceful engineering to provide security. The alabaster walls, though elegant, were crafted with an unyielding strength, their interlocking stones designed to withstand time and the elements. Deep foundations, anchored to the ruins of Castle Serance, lent a physical and symbolic stability to the structure, a reminder that even in the aftermath of destruction, there is always something solid upon which to rebuild.

The Tower of Memory, the only surviving structure from Castle Serance, was left intentionally raw and untouched in its earliest years—a scar on the landscape that served as a reminder of the horrors wrought by the Heretic King. Yet, as the hall grew into its new identity, the tower found a renewed purpose. It was carefully stabilized and restored, transformed from a crumbling ruin into a solemn monument. Its height offered a commanding view of the surrounding lands, allowing it to serve as a quiet watchtower during the early days of the hall’s existence. Though the peace of Areeott soon rendered such measures unnecessary, the tower remained an enduring testament to the vigilance and sacrifices of the Serance family.

For three centuries, Evershade Hall stood without magic, relying instead on the loyalty and diligence of its household guard. These men and women, sworn to the Serance family, patrolled the halls and gardens with watchful eyes. Their presence was a reminder of the hall’s enduring strength, even in an age bereft of the arcane. Discreet escape routes were woven into the design of the hall, providing unseen exits through the foundations and into the surrounding woods, a pragmatic concession to the uncertainties of the post-Shattering world.

When magic returned to Areeott four centuries ago, it brought with it the opportunity to restore the hall’s defenses in ways previously unimaginable. The oaths of the Serance family were renewed in light of the restored arcane, and the hall embraced a subtle blend of old-world craftsmanship and carefully integrated enchantments. Arcane wards, discreetly woven into the stonework of key entry points, offered silent and unseen protection. These wards, tied to the very lifeblood of the hall, could detect hostile intent and alert the household guard without disrupting the serene atmosphere of the estate.

Sentinel constructs, forged in the image of pre-Shattering guardians, were introduced into the hall’s defenses. These silent, watchful beings patrol the gardens and halls, their presence more symbolic than aggressive. Though rarely called upon, the constructs serve as a reminder of the power and knowledge that has been restored to Areeott. In times of peace, they are a part of the hall’s living memory, a reflection of the balance between practicality and reverence for tradition.

The Great Dome, which crowns the central chamber of the hall, became an integral part of the hall’s renewed defenses. Beneath the stained-glass depiction of the Serance family crest, protective glyphs were inscribed into the very foundation of the dome’s structure. These glyphs, dormant but ever vigilant, are designed to spring to life in moments of great need, forming barriers of light that shield the chamber from harm. They are rarely activated, but their presence provides quiet reassurance to those who gather beneath the kaleidoscopic glow of the crest.

The gardens, though places of peace and reflection, conceal subtle measures of protection. Enchanted fountains, designed to obscure rather than harm, can release thick veils of mist to shroud the grounds in the event of an emergency. The pathways, winding and labyrinthine, offer both beauty and a means of confusing any who might dare to trespass upon the sacred grounds. The hall’s defenses are not overt; they are an extension of its grace and purpose, designed to preserve the sanctity of the Serance family’s home without compromising its role as a beacon of peace.

Yet, despite these enhancements, Evershade Hall’s greatest defense remains the legacy it embodies. Built upon the ruins of Castle Serance, it stands as a testament to the futility of attacking Areeott, a nation whose very name is synonymous with impenetrability. The history of the Heretic King’s fall and the ruin of his ambitions serves as a cautionary tale to all who might consider challenging the hall’s sanctity. The Tower of Memory, with its blackened stone and great bronze bell, reminds visitors and inhabitants alike of the cost of betrayal and the strength of those who rose to restore Areeott to glory.

Evershade Hall’s defenses are not those of a fortress—they are those of a sanctuary. They reflect a philosophy rooted in stability, unity, and the understanding that true strength lies not in walls or weapons, but in the unwavering spirit of a people who have endured and thrived. It is a place that requires no battlements to protect it, for its greatest shield is the unshakable peace it has inspired for centuries.

Evershade Hall’s history is one of rebirth and legacy, a story woven into the very fabric of Areeott’s triumphs and tragedies. Its origins lie in the ruins of Castle Serance, the ancestral seat of the Serance family, which had stood for three centuries before its catastrophic destruction during the early days of the Arin Civil War. Once a fortified stronghold of the Astary Knights, Castle Serance fell not to an external enemy, but to the desperation of King Amraz, the Heretic King, whose retreat from the Battle of Bastion marked the Shattering—the moment magic ceased to function across the world.

After fleeing the battlefield with his loyal forces, Amraz turned his sights inward, seeking to consolidate what little arcane power remained in the Barony of Areeott. His faith shattered along with the magic of Xal’Kanan, the god of magic, Amraz descended into paranoia and greed. Castle Serance, with its storied halls and rich repositories of arcane knowledge, became one of his first targets. The king ordered the sacking of the castle, looting its treasures and reducing its proud walls to ash and rubble. The destruction of Castle Serance was a tragedy, but it also became a rallying cry for resistance, as the surviving members of the Serance family took up arms and joined the fight against the tyrant.

In the aftermath of the war, with King Amraz defeated and Corvyn Seinrill ascending to power, Evershade Hall was born. Built upon the ruins of the fallen castle, the hall was not only a gift from Corvyn to honor the sacrifices of the Serance family, but also a personal tribute to his childhood friend, Niko Serance, whose heroism during the war became the stuff of legend. Unlike its predecessor, Evershade Hall was not constructed as a fortress. Instead, it was designed as a palace of peace and remembrance, a sanctuary that embodied the unity and resilience of Areeott in the post-war era.

The construction of Evershade Hall marked a turning point in the history of the Serance family. The Tower of Memory, the only remnant of the original castle, was preserved and transformed into a monument honoring the fallen. Its blackened stone and solemn inscriptions serve as a reminder of the sacrifices that shaped Areeott’s future. Over the centuries, the hall has undergone thoughtful alterations, evolving to meet the needs of its time while preserving its symbolic purpose. For three centuries, it stood as a beacon of practical ingenuity during the Shattering, relying on mundane craftsmanship to endure. With the return of magic 400 years ago, the hall embraced a harmonious blend of arcane restoration and traditional engineering, solidifying its place as a cultural and administrative center for Rinlin.

Today, Evershade Hall remains a living legacy, its alabaster walls and radiant Great Dome a testament to the Serance family’s enduring spirit. From its tragic beginnings in the destruction of Castle Serance to its current role as a symbol of Areeott’s unbroken peace, the hall stands as a reminder that even in the shadow of history’s darkest moments, hope and renewal can rise to shine brightly once more.