WIP for Abraxas

[cryptsleeper]

Hi Mods,

Below are the plans according to the brief. I am happy to answer questions, address concerns, etc. I may likewise have a few additional thoughts in the future, but right now I wanted to bring what I currently have to you all and be able to respond to feedback.

Above ground
The main castle area will be a fully restored historic space, equipped with the contemporary technology of the Free Cities for water, lighting, and other basic utilities. The downstairs area serves as a flexible space for art exhibitions, fashion shows, galas, and other events. If so desired, it can be rented out to create a revenue stream. A small bar space is available during regular gallery hours and can be used for food and beverage service during other events.

This space is managed by a new offshoot of the Arts Restoration Committee. In addition to managing the downstairs space, the upper floors will be converted into artists' lofts with the intention of providing residencies for new and upcoming craftspeople and artists. The intent is to fold in Aqualia's artistic strengths along with those of Cadens and Libertas. These lofts will have a small bedroom area and communal kitchen space for those who do not wish to live in Aqualia itself (a stipend will be provided if need be.) The residencies run from 1 to 3 years in length, and are meant to be include fine arts, decorative arts, and applied arts. For disciplines that need specialized equipment (ex. pottery kilns), the new offshoot facilitates arrangements within Aqualia.

Below ground
As the upper portion of the castle is expected to provide event space, food space, and so on, it will be hooked into the existing utility structure. This extends into the basement as well. A small office space will be implemented to keep people from nosing around too much until the shelter space is needed. The rest of the area will be handwaved as storage for the time being.

Alucard will have personally overseen the removal of all building material excluding essential infrastructure related to Thorne to ensure no trace of their magic remains in the space. That essential infrastructure will have been scrubbed with a combination of literal fire to burn holes through connective magical tissue, physically chippings things out, and otherwise interrupting anything where physical removal would threaten greater safety. In doing so, the overall aesthetic of the dungeon will be decidedly not a dungeon. Instead, four blocks aligned long the cardinal points will be placed into the space, creating dorms. Arches, columns, and new brick work will serve to beautify ths space, with a particular emphasis on geometric designs and warm jewel tones to create a more inviting atmosphere. Pillars and columns will also be present to provide extra support, and will feature creative flourishes.

Longer sections of wall will feature murals and mosaics that range from landscapes to trompe-l'œil to blank spaces that are meant to be available to residents as a form of stress release if the spaces are activated. Each area will house approx. 500 people. The rooms can house either two or four people at a time.

Lighting is essential. Magic is used to modify existing electrical lighting options to run through a 24 hour cycle, ensuring that anyone underground at least feels like they are at the surface. Daylight hours will run as close to daylight as possible. Night hours will feature a different glow.

Each dorm block has the same set of amenities. The areas with designated rooms are more open with airflow and space (within reason for an underground space. The amenities are as follows:

1 centrally located security point, which is in constant communication with the other four throughout. A main point is also included in the north wing.

Four communal bathrooms, enough said.

Four communal kitchens. These spaces include small cooking spaces, similar to irori, with ventilation provided to address fires. A pantry space is attached, with assigned cabinets for each dorm room. The cabinets rely on magic (finger print and a PIN number) to open. There are additional communal staples available, and the pantry space itself relies on magic to extend the shelf life of the food within. The kitchens include some recreactional material including books and art supplies.

One green house area with UV lights. In addition to plants provided for touching grass, crops can be grown in the area as well

One medical bay with the ability to perform light surgeries if need be; the west block will have advanced equipment. The same magic used on the pantries will be applied here in order to extend the shelf life of medicines.

Two recreation areas with board games, a library, pool table, comfy sofas, art making spaces (with supplies), and other forms of entertainment to help time go by.

Defenses
The plans for defenses come from consideration regarding Thorne's previous attacks, the current storm systems sweeping through, and consideration of additional environmental factors, as well as what Alucard learned in working on Old Public Hall.

To begin, and in Alucard's mind, most importantly, each block has a portal stone to be used as an escape route in case of a siege, attack, or other emergency that compromises the bunker, the building, or both. The castle itself likewise will have two portal stones (north and south) for this purpose. Equally important, but more upsetting, is the presence of gates that can descend from the ceiling - basically vertical sluice gates. There are three in each block - one at the start, one at the halfway point, and one a few hundred feet away from the portal stone. In case an enemy attack gets in, gates can be activated to buy those within time to get to the portal stone. The triplicate is not ideal and can be discomforting, but such a thing feels needed.

The metal of the gates matches reinforced sheets of metal in the walls of the bunker area and the castle itself, meant to absorb and deflect magical attacks. They will also work in conjunction with more traditional shock absorbers to minimize the vibrations from attack. Structural and magical reinforcements will also keep things functioning. With the help of Viktor, there will also be a more general shielding system in place, powered by a crystal generator. It will direct magical forces to produce a shield, thus furthering security.

Through the help of Viktor's autuomaton, there will be two additional drainage holes in case someone tries to flood the underground area. The water can then be recycled and reused. Care has been taken regarding the placement of these larger holes/wells as to not compromise the structural integrity of the complex. Alucard is well aware of what happens when you put a giant castle on top of a giant basement and fuck around.

Additional security features will include watch stations that are a part of the castle itself, patrol birds that Jaskier can provide to keep an eye out for approaching attacks and communicate the information effectively, and magic vines that can be triggers by the security team - also provided by Jaskier. These vines will block paths and pick up individuals to throw them about. They will be planted around the castle and in the below ground greenhouses. Likewise, the air filtration system for below ground to provide fresh air also relies on new magic to filter out toxins, poison gases, and other potential air borne threats to those living in small spaces.

Comments

[cryptsleeper]

The missing rib bones are also a metaphor or where's the memory loss?
Alucard's missing ribs are tied to the parts of his memory that have worn thin over time. Reconstruction and deconstruction require giving parts of oneself, and even rebuilt, there can be weaknesses. It's literal here. Al's missing memories include that of Sumi and Taka, which lead down a road of destruction. While he would not regret that memory loss in particular, Al doesn't understand why he is still nervous at the outset of romantic entanglements over the centuries. Likewise, Al is also missing the work he did to help ensure that his blood could be used to prolong Viktor's life. He only remembers mice with very lovely coats and the knowledge of what his blood can do. He is also missing the memory of the cult and the work done to retrieve all.

When he gives away a rib bone, he does not recall who has it. Only that it is missing, and he can feel where it is in the world.

Sites of special meaning
Al doesn't have a temple, but he has ensured the survival of Old Public Hall over the centuries. He's biased, what can he say? And if he's going to guard a place, that's the one he wants.

Relationship with other gods
Jaskier: Being besties with Jaskier has gone down for all time it seems. Jaskier guards the park that they made together. He hangs around when Al naps for a while. Al makes a point of going to his friend's concerts after all these years. Those seeking combined creative energies are aware that they're best viewed as complementary creative spirits, and that partnership is one to emulate. As a matter of respect/friendship, Alucard only ever calls Jaskier Julian, making it clear he's addressing his friend rather than a deity that is implored for blessings.