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]

Okay, so questions along with where my head is currently at, that way you all can anticipate and plan accordingly.

The visible part of the castle will be fully restored. The ground level will be available as a flex space for gallery exhibitions, fashion shows, concerts, and other similar events, with rentals available to create a revenue stream. A cafe space will be included and open when there are gallery shows. Alucard will propose that the upper level floors be turned into artist studios (this is non-residential but acknowledges that sometimes you do just sleep in your work space.) Access to these studios will be awarded to up and coming artists and craftspeople who submit applications for fellowships to a newly formed arm of the Arts Restoration Committee, which will award 1, 2, and 3 year fellowships. The intent is to bring artists from various parts of the Free Cities together to foster innovation, collaboration, and community. Technology and it's relationship with art will also be hidden.

Alucard will be using the clear and obvious need for new magic-y HVAC, water, and the like to help obscure the bunker portion of the building, and indeed, will be hiding the bunker in plain sight. Beyond stripping the dungeon of all original material provided by Thorne and then doing additional magic clensings, he will be maing a portion of the dungeon continue the gallery space above. Those who know the footpring of the castle will be told that the non-accessible space of the former dungeon is for storage of large items.

Here's where the questions begin, although I want to be clear that I am aiming for a mashup of the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul and Spanish Moor architecture to create comfortable dorm style blocks. New Magic will be used to create UV lamps for both making people feel less like they're underground and for growing food if the bunker must be used for a protracted period of time.

My first round of questions are as follows.
- Is there an ideal capacity either in the commission brief or OOCly for y'all and your sense of planning?
- Would it be plausible for Alucard to expand beyond the dungeon itself to provide additional housing, as well as create certain infrastructural elements such as sewers? I have briefly touched base with Viktor's player about the use of Viktor's robot for this purpose.
- This is highly world specific for Castlevania but impacts IC security choices. In the Netflix canon, there are these things called distance mirrors, which allows one to look through the mirror and control where the gaze goes out to. Some mirrors let material pass through them. Ideally Alucard would like to include a distance mirror in the bunker area in case the bunker itself is attacked and people need to esacpe. He would limit the number of people ICly capable of operating the mirror (himself + another PC, likely Jaskier) for safety reasons. It looks as if the mirrors can be made and enchanted with specific spells (Al canonically can activate that magic). It this is a no go, no worries and I can work with that.

Thank you!

[cryptsleeper]

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.

[cryptsleeper]

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 things?] to help time go by.

[cryptsleeper]

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,

[finish]

old notes

[cryptsleeper]

Main area
-Main castle building fully restored w/ downstairs as flex space for art exhibits, fashion shows, other similar events. Can be rented out to create a revenue stream. Will include dedicated bar/cafe space to be opened during gallery use hours
-Upper floors to be artist lofts (non-residential but lbr, it might happen). These are intended to be residencies or fellowships awarded to new and upcoming artists and craftspeople (whose work can be done within a building meaning that fashion can happen here, glassblowing or pottery cannot be); these have various lengths (1-3 years depending) and are administered by a new arm of the Arts Restoration Committee. Intent is to also bring artists from various parts of the Free Cities together in order to foster more innovation. Art using technology is also highly encouraged.
-Having the strong event space/resident component also allows for the heating/water/hvac/etc. below to be a little bit more hidden. Naturally a residential space needs these things!

Below ground
- THere will be basic air filtration and circulation
-As the upper portion of the castle is expected to provide event space, food space, etc. it will be hooked to existing water and sewer lines. This will extend to the basement as well.
-Dungeon is totally scrubbed, stripped, etc. A small antechamber will provide a fraction of office space in order to at least obscure, for the time being, the purpose of the basement. Generally it will be said to be storage space.
-Dungeons will be retrofitted to create dorm-room like spaces into 4 blocks that correspond to the cardinal directions. 500 people will be housed per block with an anticipated total of 2,000 individuals. The dorm rooms will generally house 2-4 people, with six being the maximum in case of Massive Chaos.
-Each area will have a central security point, 4 communal kitchen space for cooking, and a green house featuring UV lights for growing plants and small crops.
-Each communal kitchen will feature a pantry with an assigned locker per-room that will use magic finger print scanning to provide access. Food storage area will also be provided with additional spellwork to prolong freshness of ingredients.
-Each area will have a dedicated medical bay. Storage area for medicine will have similar enchantments to the pantries to ensure longevity of supplies.
-UV lights overhead will follow a daily cycle to keep people on track and alleviate some sense of being in a basement.
Below ground:
-Bathrooms and running water will be included.
-Murals and mosaics will be on the walls between dorms to create a more homey atmosphere. Some will be installed when the space opens, some space will be reserved for residents if/when the space is needed to provide stress relief/a creative outlet.

Defense
- Metal that can absorb magic attack
- Each block will have a portal stone that can be used for escape in case of a siege, attack, or other emergency that compromises the safety of all those living there. An additional two stones will be available on the surface level.
- Each area will have two large doors from ceiling, locking any invaders in to one specific block and permitting other blocks to escape via portal stones. However, this also risks the 500 lives living in a given block, and so it is included as a last resort.
- Ways of observing attacks from approaching armies in the desert via ground radar that triggers when certain parameters (magic, vibrations, etc.) go off.
- Several bedrooms are for scouting/keeping watch as well.
- Resident birds also can do patrols.
-Additional drainage will be dug in case someone tries to flood the dungeon
- Both shock absorbers and spells spells will be in place to minimize any attacks for those living in the dorm areas; structural and magical enforcements will likewise be put in place.
- Per Viktor's help, We use a crystal to siphon energy and power the device, and we direct the magical forces accordingly to produce the shield. Like an automated mage



Images
- https://www.artstation.com/artwork/Odk8e
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basilica_Cistern
- https://cdnb.artstation.com/p/assets/images/images/020/854/625/large/jesus-campos-jimenez-nerkin-aljibe-profanado-concept.jpg?1569426846
- https://cdnb.artstation.com/p/assets/covers/images/028/962/759/large/martin-de-graaf-martin-de-graaf-substance-challenge-moorish-mosaics-substance-thumbnail-martin-de-graaf-2017.jpg?1596040778
- https://cdn.thecollector.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/david-robert-interior-of-the-mosque-in-cordoba.jpg?width=1080&quality=55
- https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/what-is-moorish-design-14-1621264406.jpg
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irori


Overall descriptive draft:
The visible part of the castle will be fully restored. The ground level will be available as a flex space for gallery exhibitions, fashion shows, concerts, and other similar events, with rentals available to create a revenue stream. A cafe space will be included and open when there are gallery shows. Alucard will propose that the upper level floors be turned into artist studios (this is non-residential but acknowledges that sometimes you do just sleep in your work space.) Access to these studios will be awarded to up and coming artists and craftspeople who submit applications for fellowships to a newly formed arm of the Arts Restoration Committee, which will award 1, 2, and 3 year fellowships. The intent is to bring artists from various parts of the Free Cities together to foster innovation, collaboration, and community. Technology and it's relationship with art will also be hidden.

[Second part of description will go here]

IT'S TOUGH TO BE A GOD event planning

[cryptsleeper]

GUARDIAN OF ARCHITECTONICS
BLESSING ◎ Reconstruction
Reforming oneself or community; creating firm or solid ground; repairing (minds, bodies, or structures)
AFFLICTION ◎ Deconstruction
Unstable ground; breakdown of structure (self or community); self-destruction or weak foundations

[cryptsleeper]

The look
Embrace the shitty goth hair era; closer to apotheois; stained glass window rib cage does not yield what i'm looking for

the attitude
Alucard, as a dhampir, has expected to live for centuries. This part is normal! It's the god part that he actually really does not fucking like, and he puts in a lot of effort to be as normal as he can about things. This means he avoids the Singularity at all costs/does not present himself as something that wants offerings. Instead, he rotates territories every few decades, taking a long nap (at least two years, sometimes up to five decades) between. While living there, he works with others on public use buildings. He has a decided preference for Luna, Ikorr, and the Free Cities, but will work anywhere excluding Thorne. This has not been unnoticed. His human form usually changes hair color, beard, etc. but his body shape and his scar are consistent, as are his fangs.

take me to bone church
Representing reconstruction/deconstruction becomes apparent in the overall change to Alucard's look when he's not putting on a pointed human guise and his Horizon space when it's in use in a formal setting. His regular appearance now allows for voids to shift around his body, showing off his insides. Rather than blood and muscle, the void allows for bone to show through, and the spaces between those bones contain stained glass. From a distance, they are simply brilliant flashes of color. Upon closer inspection, they represent buildings Alucard has worked on. This is especially clear in examining his ribs which...seem to not have the correct number present. Both his right and left ribcage are missing a few.

While Al's Domain will retain it's quiet autumnal vibes when he's there for himself or relaxing, visitors who want to speak with him more formally will be welcomed into what appears to be a church crypt, featuring sweeping arches and delicate stained glass. Closer inspection reveals the space to be a giant rib cage, with one rib cracked and a few supports missing. (Surprise, you're in his chest. Go with it.) The scenes represented in the stained glass shift, showing the viewer's rebuilt accomplishments as well as moments of destruction that they themselves engineered either willingly or on purpose.

Al doesn't do the whole godly favors thing. Doesn't like it. On very, very rare occasion though he can be persuaded, and he will give a literal rib bone to the person asking for help with the agreement that they will return the bone when done. Or else.

[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.