Tower of Belshamma

The Tower of Belshamma, once known as the Wyrdwood Beacon, stands as a majestic relic of a bygone era where the mystical and the mundane intertwined. In its original incarnation, this tower was a bastion of harmony and dialogue, a place where the enigmatic Dragons of Elder Soteria and the myriad Fae, especially the Elves, convened in unity and shared purpose. In the aftermath of the Banishing, as the Fae were tragically exiled and their memory faded into the mists of time, the tower was reclaimed by human hands and repurposed to serve the burgeoning Kingdom of Braebar. The once magical conclave was transformed into the Tower of Belshamma, a symbol of human governance and political might. This architectural metamorphosis erased the visible traces of its Fae heritage, replacing them with the robust, utilitarian structures of human design, yet perhaps leaving untouched the latent magics woven into its very foundation. Now, the tower presides over the capital's skyline as a political and cultural hub.

The tower, an architectural marvel, rises majestically from the rolling foothills, its formidable gray stone facade standing in stark contrast to the soft blanket of snow around it. The central spire, flanked by stout turrets with conical slate roofs, pierces the sky, its crenellations hinting at the structure's defensive past. Ornate carvings, weathered by time, depict intertwining vines and mythical creatures—a nod to the tower's Fae origins—while stained glass windows break the monotony of stone with bursts of color, casting jeweled light into the halls within. The main entrance, a heavy arched wooden door banded with iron, sits beneath a portcullis that whispers of bygone battles. A winding cobblestone path leads to the tower, its lanterns a guide through the encroaching dusk, illuminating the way for weary travelers and vigilant knights alike.

Courtyard & Gardens

Main Grounds
Gardens

The courtyard itself is a grand affair, paved with smooth, gray flagstones that gleam faintly in the twilight. Geometric patterns, formed from crushed white and black river stones, decorate the central expanse. Around the perimeter, raised flower beds brim with vibrant blooms that defy the encroaching chill of the mountain air. Here, you'll find hardy autumn crocus and colchicums in shades of purple, mauve, and white, their delicate faces braving the shortening days. Golden globes of witch hazel add a splash of sunshine, while clusters of ruby-red winter berries dangle from evergreen shrubs, a promised feast for the winter thrushes.

Outside the natural garden that surrounds the tower and its land, sentinels of fir and spruce stand sentinel around the tower and its wings and buildings, their dark forms contrasting sharply with the pale stone of the tower walls. Beneath their sheltering boughs, paths of packed gravel meander through vibrant gardens. Here, the last hurrah of summer lingers. Crimson dahlias nod their heavy heads, their velvety petals dusted with the first frosts of autumn. Stands of lavender and rosemary brush your legs as you walk by, their fragrance mingling with the earthy scent of damp soil.

Interior

Great Hall
Banquet Hall
Typical Guest Room
Council Chambers

The Tower of Belshamma’s interior is a symphony of medieval splendor and subtle Fae enchantment. Its robust stone walls, in shades of earthen gray and warm sandstone, rise to meet the intricately vaulted ceilings that echo the iridescent sheen of dragon scales. Long, dark oak tables dressed in royal blue and deep crimson linens stand ready for grand feasts, flanked by benches of polished wood and velvet cushions. Stained glass windows bathe the chambers in a kaleidoscope of light, casting an ethereal glow that dances over the silver and golden accents adorning tapestries and candelabras. Subtle Fae touches are woven throughout, from the delicate, vine-like scrollwork framing doorways to the soft luminescence of crystal fixtures, reminiscent of the gentle glow of Fae lanterns hidden within the natural flora.

Great Hall with Iris Ceiling: The grand central hall is designed with an innovative iris ceiling of magical stone that can open and close. This allows a dragon to majestically descend into the hall for important gatherings. The hall itself is adorned with high, arched windows and banners that catch the light, casting a regal glow across the expansive room.
Library of Ancient Tomes: A vast library occupies several floors of the tower, with a spiral staircase winding around the central column. Tomes of ancient lore and dragon history are particularly highlighted, possibly hinting at the secret passage above. Skylights allow for natural illumination, and a few larger reading areas suggest seating fit for dragonkind.
Astronomical Observatory: At the pinnacle of the Tower of Belshamma, the observatory sits, crowned by a retractable crystal dome that dims the daylight to reveal the stars, even under the sun. Ancient instruments hint at a shared heritage of celestial study among dragons, Fae, and humans. At its heart, a grand sky model displays the constellations in stunning detail. Here, amidst the ethereal twilight created by the dome's enchantment, the line between day and night softly blurs, allowing a continuous study of the heavens. Scholars utilize the observatory's unique capabilities to amplify the images of the night sky, revealing unprecedented details of the stars and celestial bodies.
Armory of Legendary Weapons: The tower’s armory is a vaulted chamber with suits of armor and weapons displayed in silent testimony to the dragon-human alliances of the past. Some pieces are unusually large, clearly meant for dragonkin, and others are of a style and craftsmanship unknown to the current human inhabitants.
Banquet Hall with Dragonscale Accents: The banquet hall, with its long tables that can be easily removed, features a high vaulted ceiling with intricate dragonscale motifs, reminiscent of the tower's past. The hall can be cleared to welcome a dragon guest through the central column, with the magical stone iris closing seamlessly after its entry.
Luxurious Chambers Around the Central Column: The tower's private chambers are situated around the periphery, leaving the central column open. The chambers mix human comforts with Fae elegance, and some contain balconies overlooking the great hall, allowing residents to witness the dragon's entrance from a safe vantage point.
Council Chamber Suited for Dragons: Hidden within the tower is a large, circular council chamber with expansive doors that can accommodate a dragon's size. The room is ringed with seating of varying sizes and heights, including an elevated platform for the dragons themselves. The chamber, unknown to many, is a testament to the alliances of old, with a round table at its center symbolizing equality and unity between species.

Tower Staff

Chancellor Elinora Valtir – A pragmatic and composed political leader, Elinora values structure, loyalty, and long-term stability. She is cautious but not fearful, and respects sincerity when backed by competence.
Commander Seraphine Drakewood – Disciplined and reserved, Seraphine embodies professionalism and tactical restraint. She believes strength must be wielded with precision and cultivates loyalty through fairness and quiet resolve.
Ambassador Mirabel Fenharrow – Warm, empathetic, and quietly courageous, Mirabel excels at diplomacy through emotional intelligence. She seeks understanding over dominance and embraces transformation through cultural exchange.
Commander Thalien Vaelor – Tactical and stoic, Thalien approaches every situation with a strategist’s mind and a soldier’s discipline. He is wary of magical unpredictability and trusts preparation over improvisation.
Scholar Kaleira Veylin – Curious and intuitive, Kaleira is sensitive to magic in ways that transcend formal study. Her experiences with the Emberstone have awakened both wonder and fear, deepening her internal conflict between instinct and duty.