Illumine Palace

Illumine Palace
General Information
Location	Aeranas

Illumine Palace is the official residence of the One Nation's monarch in Morobe. The palace is the administrative headquarters of the federal government and the royal household; which makes it de facto the seat of power of the nation. Within the capital city, the palace is one of two highest buildings and was built to be the first building to be reached by the sunrise over Moroa.

The palace is a sprawling structure encompassing a number of buildings and wings. The main wings are; the royal family residence overlooking the ocean, residences for members of the court and foreign visitors, and the governmental offices.

Description

Entrance hall

A grand staircase leads up toward the entrance of the palace where an elaborately decorated archway heralds the splendour awaiting inside. Beyond the archway lies a grand, spacious hall with high ceilings and tall windows that draw in the light from outside, allowing this architectural masterpiece to live up to its name. Similarly, when night falls, a legion of candledroids illuminate the interior, hovering near darkened walls and shadowy corners, while casting tall shadows on the high ceilings with their torch-like lights. At all times, the hall is richly decorated with flowers, flags, tapestries, statues and other pieces of art that represent the culture and history of the One Nation.

A nerve centre of political and governmental activity, the main hall leading into the palace is always bustling with activity, as underlings meet with their superiors, and aides whisper in hushed tones about the newest policies or decrees. Visitors turn to pleasant-looking stewards who direct them towards their intended destinations, while all is carefully observed by the palace guards, perpetually at the ready to defend the royal family and guests alike.

Within the entrance hall stands the armoury, an unavoidable checkpoint for any visitor of the palace. It is a relatively small compound, protected by a squad of Moroa Guards. Here, visitors and guests are requested to leave their weapons and any potentially hazardous belongings behind, before being granted further access to the palace.

Library

The palace library is a vast treasure trove of reading and research material. Its halls are open at all hours and accessible to any visitor who seeks knowledge and information. The library's collection consists of holobooks, datasticks, and other modern and ancient storage devices, as an extensive collection of printed books is stacked in neat rows on sturdy shelves lining the walls. The oldest and most sensitive books and documents in the collection require special clearance from the librarians, to ensure the proper handling and preservation of the items.

The main hall of the library is largely constructed from dark wood, and similarly coloured stone pillars supporting an elevated balustrade. These premises are spacious with a high ceiling, and are illuminated by ceiling lights as well as tall windows that fill the hall with natural sunlight during the day. Visitors are welcome to sit at one of the many tables and computer terminals in the main hall, while private rooms are available to study and read in peace. The library can be rarely found unoccupied, as students from local schools and universities attend to their lessons, while palace staff consult historic records and data to fulfil their duties in the present.

Temple

Occupying the most prominently visible space when entering the hall that is the palace temple is the imposing larger-than-life statue of Vigo Jou. Behind and around the statue are large windows of decorative stained glass sparkling with colour, depicting various scenes from the Church's history. In front of Vigo Jou's immortalised image is a richly decorated, golden altar, draped in a midnight blue and silver cloth of smooth silk. Lines of candledroids hold a solemn vigil over the spacious hall, while banners with iconography of the faith line the walls and pillars of the temple.

During the day the rows of cushioned wooden seats are usually only sparsely occupied by people who seek solace in prayer or find themselves in need of quiet reflection. The priests attending to the temple and its sanctity demand that the ponderous silence be respected at all times, yet deny none aid or direction when asked. It is only during church services and special occasions that the extensive interior of the temple is filled with religious song and solemn prayer, its benches filled to capacity by the faithful.

Restaurant

Serving as the main dining hall for staff members and visitors alike, the palace restaurant is a spacious, elegant hall where meals can be consumed in comfort, and meetings held in a distinguished environment. Its surface area is divided into several sections that each serves its own purpose, so as to ensure that its occupants experience the least amount of disturbance from one another.

Along the outer edges of the restaurant are several rows of long tables with benches along their lengths that are usually occupied by palace staff. More inward are the individual tables with seating booths for smaller parties, while in the ring that follows thereafter the secluded tables intended for two can be found.

A grand buffet of both Morobe dishes and offworld cuisines is served during lunch and dinner times, which staff and guests alike can sample and enjoy. Yet individual orders can be placed at any time at the restaurant bar located at the centre of the hall. The bar is surrounded by a row of comfortable looking seating on all sides, offering an opportunity for the room's occupants to enjoy a drink while waiting for their order or a free table.

Gardens

View of the royal gardens.

The palace gardens are a marvel of horticulture and a veritable testament to the expert skill and aptness of its caretakers and gardeners. Flora from all around Morobe is represented in rows upon rows along the zigzagging paths of the gardens, from beautifully blooming shrubs, to strongly scented colourful flowers. During the day, the sunlight turns these premises into a magnificent mosaic that is a treat to the eye, while at night only select species of flowers and other flora bloom to create a mystical and magical environment.

Fountains, statues and mosaics with motifs of mermaids are placed along the labyrinth pathways of the garden, so as to create an expertly thought out balance between the natural and manmade. Similarly, the impeccably kept hedges and taller shrubs have been deliberately positioned to offer the gardens' occupants a maximum level of privacy. Tall walls overgrown with ivy surround the perimeter of this wondrous place of greenery, separating its oasis of nature from life in the city. Yet one edge of the garden remains open to the cliffside overlooking the ocean, offering any spectators a breathtaking view of the sparkling blue expanse.

Throne room

At the very heart of the Illumine Palace lies the centre of power within the One Nation; the throne room. Placed in front of the illustrious image of a divine apotheosis and surrounded by towering, richly decorated pillars, is a tall throne of royal blue cushioning and golden ornaments. Flanked by two aurodium winged figures, the throne perched upon its elevation overlooks a grand hall, decorated with masterpieces of art and lavish ornamentations of only the most precious of metals decorating its interior. The hall is used for formal occasions, such as state addresses, the declaration of new laws and edicts, diplomatic receptions and other events that deserve to take place within a royal setting.