Rose Palace

The Rose Palace is located in the valley between the mountains to the south of the Realm of Dusnain and to the north of the Kingdom of Braebar. The Rose Council meet there regularly, the representatives of the kingdoms have stayed in residence there since the beginning of the Peace of Ages. The keep is expansive and has rooms for a great many guests at the keep. This also serves as the home of the Souls Templar.

Hall of the Rose

At the heart of the Rose Palace is the Hall of the Rose, the meeting place for the Rose Council. The hall is at the center of the palace two winding staircases lead directly to it from levels above and is perpetually lit with globes of light inset into the pillars. The chamber is a level below ground, encased in solid granite stonework and protected by runes which guard against eavesdropping. Water is circulated around the council table and chairs through aqueducts, it is kept pure and clean. The placid water is meant to remind the council of the value in peace. The water also provides a separation, none but the council members are permitted too close to the table. A ruling monarch of a particular kingdom can assert themselves and replace their council member, if they desire. It rarely happens this way though. In this even the Grand Master (Mistress) of the Souls Templar does not have a seat at the table unless called upon by the council.

Images

Regional Map
Guest Quarters
Dome from Inside
General Interior
Hall of the Rose

Knights of the Souls Templar

The Souls Templar was established by knights from various kingdoms who had served during the war and sought to uphold the peace that had been achieved.

Captain Eldric Thornwall (45, Male, Human)

Captain Eldric Thornwall stands as a formidable presence among the Souls Templar, his stature and demeanor encapsulating the essence of a seasoned warrior. At this moment, he is engulfed in a blend of determination and contemplation, his mind grappling with the weight of his responsibilities. His physical prowess is undeniable, his body a testament to years of rigorous training and battle, yet there's a flicker of weariness in his eyes—a longing for something beyond the endless conflict.

Description: Eldric is an imposing figure, standing well over six feet with broad shoulders that seem to bear the world's weight. His salt-and-pepper hair is kept short, practical for battle, and his deep-set eyes, a striking shade of steely gray, reflect a life of hard-earned wisdom. His face is marked with scars, each telling a story of battles past, and his hands are rough, the hands of a man who knows the weight of a sword.
Background: Born into a modest family in the outskirts of the Kingdom of Thaentis, Eldric's path to the Souls Templar was forged by a blend of necessity and a deep-seated sense of duty. His parents, though loving, could offer little in the way of material wealth, but they instilled in him a strong moral compass. He joined the Templars as a young man, seeking to make a difference in the world. His natural leadership abilities and unwavering commitment to the cause saw him rise through the ranks to Captain.
Profession: As a Captain in the Souls Templar, Eldric is not only a skilled warrior but also a tactician and leader. His prowess in combat is matched by his ability to inspire and command his troops. He specializes in defensive strategies, often turning the tide of battle with his innovative approaches to warfare.
Personal: Despite his martial exterior, Eldric has a softer side that he rarely shows. He finds solace in music, often playing the lute in the rare moments of peace. He has a small circle of close friends within the Templar, including his trusted lieutenant, Siras, and the wise healer, Maelin. His family now is the Templar, his bonds forged in the fires of battle.
Motives: Eldric's dedication to the Souls Templar is driven by a profound belief in their cause—to protect the realm and its people from the shadows that seek to engulf it. He sees his role not just as a duty, but as a calling, a way to bring light to a world often shrouded in darkness.
Goals: His immediate goal is to quell the rising tide of darkness encroaching on the kingdom's borders, a task that seems increasingly Sisyphean. Long-term, Eldric dreams of a time when his sword can rest, and peace will reign—allowing him to explore the world beyond the battlefields, perhaps even finding a quiet place to call his own.
Methods: Eldric is a man of honor and principle, adhering to the chivalric codes of the Templar. His strategies often involve not just brute force, but cunning and diplomacy. He is willing to go to great lengths for the greater good, but he draws the line at sacrificing the innocent or compromising his morals.

Craftsmen, Merchants, and Vendors

Many vendors, merchants, and craftsmen work in and for the Rose Palace, and the Souls Templar.

Tailor - Milo Thimble - 47, Male, Human

Milo Thimble stands as a testament to the art of tailoring, his small stature overshadowed by the grandeur of his creations. At this moment, he's immersed in a sea of fabrics and designs within the opulent Rose Palace, where his heart races with the thrill of his latest masterpiece. He is both physically and emotionally invested in his craft, each stitch a part of his soul. Presently, he seeks the perfect shade of silk that mirrors the dusk sky, a crucial piece for the Grand Mistress's gown.

Description: Milo is a compact man, standing at 5'3", with a frame that belies his strength. His hands, though small, are remarkably dexterous, a tailor's hands with nimble fingers made for the finest stitches. His hair is a sandy hue, often unkempt due to hours spent over his work, and his eyes are a sharp, observant hazel. His attire, always immaculate, showcases his own craftsmanship.
Background: Born into a lineage of tailors in a quaint village, Milo was cradled in fabrics and threads. His father, a humble tailor, and his mother, a skilled embroiderer, nurtured his talent from a young age. Despite their modest background, Milo's exceptional skill paved his way to the prestigious Rose Palace. He's a self-made man, his education rooted in the endless hours spent in his parents' shop, his craft honed by practice and passion rather than formal schooling.
Profession: As the head tailor of the Rose Palace, Milo oversees a legion of the realm's finest tailors and seamstresses, entrusted with adorning the Grand Mistress and her court. His expertise is unparalleled, his attention to detail legendary. He specializes in creating garments that are not only visually stunning but also imbue the wearer with a sense of power and grace.
Personal: Milo's life revolves around his work, his passion leaving little room for leisure. Yet, in rare moments of respite, he finds solace in sketching designs inspired by the palace gardens. His closest companions are his apprentices, particularly a young prodigy named Eliot, whom he sees as a surrogate son.
Motives: Milo's drive stems from a relentless pursuit of perfection and a deep-seated desire to leave a legacy through his creations. He sees each garment as a piece of art, an extension of the wearer's essence.
Goal: His immediate goal is to complete the Grand Mistress's gown, a piece he believes will be his magnum opus. Long-term, he dreams of crafting a masterpiece that will be celebrated for generations, securing his place in the annals of history.
Methods: Milo approaches his goals with a meticulous and methodical mindset. He spares no expense in sourcing the finest materials from across the land and is unyielding in his standards. Ethically, he is unwavering, believing in the integrity of his craft and the fair treatment of his apprentices, even if it means challenging the demands of the palace's higher echelons.