NORTHFORT ROYAL PALACE
Northfort Royal Palace was built in the 17th Century by King Sebastian II and has been used ever since by the Royal Family. The Palace sits on top of a hill in the northern section of Northfort, the Palace is close to Embassy Row and sits in its own private park which contains a large lake and various "Summer Houses" these "Summer Houses" are self contained homes which are often used to accommodate foreign dignitaries, leading government members and other royals. The Palace also has running along one flank People's Park. This was a former area of the Palace that was utilised for grazing livestock until the early 19th century when King Philip III granted the land to the Mayor of Northfort for use "by the people of Northfort regardless of rank or title from now until the end of time." King Philip III also granted an annual payment to the city for the upkeep of the park. This allowed the park to become a key part of the lesuire of the city with it regularly being used by those living in the city to go for strolls, have picnics or take in the various forms of street entertainers who ply their trade there. It often also becomes the venue for major events such as Pride, the Festival of Greenflowers and various other events.
Map of the PalaceAs can be seen from the map the perimeter fence is rather long and is guarded by a series of remote sensors, regular foot and vehicle patrol as well as spotters descreetly encamped around the Palace grounds. The majority of the guards on duty are members of East Moreland's elite Red Legion supported by members of either the Royal Marine Commando's, the REMAF Specialist Aviation Squadron and Police Close Protection Unit (many of whom are recruited from those who reached the later stages of Red Legion selection and then failed). Just outside the Palace begins Embassy Row. These are a collection of old 18th Century
Townhouses each standing in their own small grounds. The street has free access for all to walk down however often random military checkpoints are put in to check ID's and to support the embassies particular situations. While not every nation can have their own townhouse as these are limited to around 40 some nations such as the Ecclesiastical State and Safraen share buildings as they are smaller nations and have made decisions that mean they need less space because of having small populations. Some nations however have, for their own reasons found buildings elsewhere in the city. To one side of Embassy Row is the Temple District, this is a serious of streets on which a Temple to each of the eight Gods and Goddesses exist. Among the eight large temples are small temples and shrines dedicated to various groups, for example the Blacksmith's Guild Shrine to Jekar exists. Additionally this district contains various buildings dedicated to the running of the Cult of Helus including the Cult's Priestess College which is seen as the religions central training school.
The PalaceThe Palace is utilised for both a residency for the King and his immediate family. It also has facilities for several other uses.
The Main GatehouseThe main gatehouse is around 3km away from the Palace itself. It sits at the end of a white gravel driveway lined by trees and flanked by a river that brings water into the Palace for a variety of different lakes and waterways. The main gatehouse is where most of the visitors to the Palace enter and is manned day and night by Red Legionnaires. The gatehouse also features a special board on which royal announcements are made such as the birth of royal children, deaths in the family and various other incidents. It is only once this information is posted on the board that it becomes official. Often several cars are stationed at the gatehouse to transport visiting dignitaries to the Palace itself as often many choose to arrive by foot.
The Ministers LodgingsTo the left of the river is a series of five buildings referred to as the Ministers Lodgings. These five buildings are in effect split into three suites meaning that there are in truth 15 different residencies that can be utilised by members of the King's Council which is similar to many nations cabinets. They are often not used and tend to be utilised during times of emergency or if the Minister resides outside of Northfort and is in the city for an extended period. Each residency has two bedrooms, an office, kitchen, bathrooms, lounge and dining room. They share a communal garden and wine cellar. Between the residencies are tennis courts or other sports facilities which aside from being used by the Ministers are often used by other people residing within the Palace grounds at any single time.
Head of Military LodgingsTo the right of the river are four buildings each of these reserved for the heads of the Army, Navy, Air Force and Intelligence Services. While from the outside these look very similar to the Ministers Lodgings however they have more space. This is utilised for their own briefing rooms and extra accommodation for their staff. While often the Head of that particular branch of the military is not present they do continually keep a member of their staff there in case of emergencies where the input of the military would be required instantly. The lodgings may also be used by the owner for entertaining their guests from overseas during military exercises or discussions.
Security HQThis is the brains of the Palace's security network. It houses the facilities to monitor the various security systems, houses the main communications hub as well providing office space for the Royal families security teams to carry out day to day duties such as background checks on visitors to the Palace and research into the royal families travel arrangements. The facility also houses a secure armoury with weapons ranging from those used by security patrols to heavy machine guns and even shoulder launched anti-aircraft weapons. The HQ is also where visiting dignitaries security details are housed during visits allowing them to also, depending on levels of security sharing, to also monitor Palace security camera feeds and communications. The Head of the Royal Protection Force also has their office in the attic.
The Queen's ResidenceInformally known as the "Palace of the Pink-stone" this once stood as a separate wing of the Palace standing in isolation. It was absorbed into the main Palace in the mid 18th Century. Traditionally it was where the Queen spent her day with her courtiers and noble ladies as well as hosting events for her interests. Today the rooms are a series of suites, a small banqueting room, small ballroom, kitchens, library and reception rooms. The Queen still maintains an office here for her own staff to deal with correspondence. When any foreign dignitaries spend the evening at the Palace, such as during state visits, they are given rooms in this part of the Palace. It sits with its own quad garden which is known as Queen's Park. Today the Queen usually spends her time in the King's Residence meaning that for most of the year this wing of the Palace is rarely visited.
Stable YardTraditionally the monarchs of East Moreland have been members of the Royal Cavalry Guard when they serve in the military and often have raised their own horses from foals within the Palace. The ceremonial days at the Palace still see the Royal Cavalry Guard parade and their horses are kept in this facility alongside the Ironside families own horses. While each member of the Royal family today still retains a horse of their own many of them do not really ride on a regular basis. The Ironside Stable do however still compete in horse-racing and eventing as these are a big part of the nobilities social calendar. The position of Head of the Royal Stables is still considered a prestigious one and comes with accommodation within the Palace itself in the wing housing the Queen's Residence. There are spaces for approximately 50 horses in the stables.
Military BarracksThese facilities can house up to 100 soldiers and their equipment. They are not the most comfortable barracks Morelander Legionnaires will stay in but positing are often only for periods of 2-4 days. Soldiers based here are housed in rooms of 10 beds which share a bathroom. There is a communal kitchen and underground a secure armoury where personnel weapons are kept when off duty. Soldiers split their time between providing guards for patrolling the Palace as well as ceremonial duties. If need be extra beds can be brought in and the number billeted there increased to 150. Currently there are no separation between male and female quarters except for the allocation of rooms. It is expected within the next 12 months a separate female block is to be constructed nearby. The barracks has a statue of Jekar in its entrance hall which carries a shield upon which the regiments based in the barracks place their emblems while stationed there.
Motor PoolThis is in essence the royal garage. It has a rather small above ground prescence but is rather large underground. The ground level area is reserved for the Royal Protection Forces vehicles as well as the King's own vehicles. Beneath this is a maintainence facility as well as storage for a variety of military vehicles which can access ground level through a tunnel to the surface or via one of three lifts. There are three battle tanks kept in the facility however these have never been seen in a long period of time. One of the longest standing residents of the Motor Pool is Coope, a vintage red mini from the 1970's which most members of the royal family today have owned at one point. While today the tiny car is out of day to day use it is still rumoured to be in working condition being looked after by the staff who work here drawn from the Royal Engineers Regiment.
Palace Staff LodgingsWhile many of the majority of staff today have their own homes outside the gates around 30 live in the Palace itself. These tend to be key positions such as Head Cook, Royal Chamberlain, Head of Royal Household etc. Each of these are given a bedroom, bathroom, lounge and kitchen. In addition to their own private facilities they have access to a fitness suite, cinema room and library. Often these individuals elect not to live here on a full time basis but rather in the run up to and aftermath of large functions or when the Palace is busy. These staff live in these residencies for as long as they hold the post rent free. With many members of the Palace staff now being members of the Legions who have suffered injuries these quarters are being regularly adapted to account for any disabilities.
Reception Rooms and King's OfficeThis is in effect the nerve centre of the Palace. It is the part of the palace where the majority of the visitors on state business find themselves. It features a large entrance hall with a large staircase which leads to series of upper floors. The King's office sits on the rear of this block over viewing the fountain and lake. The King's office is in effect guarded by the office of the Head of the Royal Household and is a combination of a reception lounge and working office. This area also includes the official royal library, drawing room, dining room and a boardroom to allow for large meetings such as the CETO formation conference.
Function RoomsThis four floored building houses three important aspects of the Palace. The basement houses the Royal kitchen, a rather large complex able to cook meals simulatoniously for the Palace staff and for a state banquet. The kitchen is also "on call" 24 hours a day should they be needed. On the ground floor is the Royal Banqueting Hall. This room is used for state functions and traditional feast days. It is capable of housing around 200 diners in a variety of layouts. Its doors open out directly onto the rear lawns through the centre of a marble staircase which leads to the floor above while also giving access from that floor to the lawns. The middle floor of the block is the Royal Ballroom which is used for a variety of functions from less formal dining experiences, private concerts and even more recently for Princess Rhiannon's sword fighting training. The top floor is officially called the Royal Lounge but is in effect simply a large room that can house around 150 people in informal arrangements. This usually means comfortable arm-chairs, sofas and coffee tables. There is also a permanent bar there that palace staff are permitted to use during their time off.
Palace Admin These are the offices of those who carry out the day to day functions of the Royal Family. It is here that you will find the staff of Royal Press Secretaries, accountants, those responsible for the King's correspondence and even the King's Private Doctor. Several full time military intelligence officers are also based here for utilisation by the King on any matter he chooses. While these may be military officers it is not uncommon for the King to ask them to research a variety of matters ranging from the Palace's energy use to vehicle procurement.
Royal GalleryThis is a large collection of royal art-works either produced by the royals or procured by them. Since the reign of King David III this part of the Palace is open to limited members of the public by prior arrangement. The gallery houses a variety of different types of art ranging from sculptures, paintings and tapestries some dating back to the beginning of East Moreland. From time to time items from this are taken to various museums and galleries across the nation and occasionally the world. King David III became a fan of Arda Tuluvan art and the gallery houses a huge collection he gathered over his visits to that nation. One of the most recent art-works on display is the pictures by Princess Rhiannon.
King's ResidenceThis is the day to day home of the King of East Moreland and his immediate family. This block is split into five large suites each with two en-suite bedrooms, lounge, private kitchen, dining room, wetroom and office. These are often rather more modern in their decor than the exterior of the Palace would suggest and only accessible via high security passes. There are also several communal facilities such as a gym, cinema, bowling alley, swimming pool and bar and lounge. Underneath the block, and kept a secret, is a hardened bunker capable of surviving in theory a nuclear, biological or chemical attack. In the bunker there is also an emergency operating facility with several pints of the royal families own blood there.
King's GardenThe only way into this part of the Palace is through the private suites of the royal family. It is a place where they are given perhaps the most privacy. The garden features several little niches where statues of the eight Gods stand and since the birth of Princess Rhiannon a tree swing. The garden in more recent years has however been less used by the royals despite in previous years having been well tendered by junior members of the royal family.
Hunting Lodge The Hunting Lodge is in fact one of several dotted around the parkland that surrounds the Palace. This particular one that is closest to the Royal Palace is the residency of the 2nd in line to the throne so long as they are adult. Currently it is home to Princess Freya however she now spends less time here since marrying. The Lodge is a self contained living unit with its own facilities to host small functions and events. It even contains an underground bunker similar to that of the King's Residence but this again is kept secret. The Lodge has three bedrooms which currently are utilised by Princess Freya's Chief of Household Rebecca Jarrett.
