The Hall of Remembrance
The Hall of Remembrance, nestled within the heart of Elder-Hearth, served as a solemn sanctuary dedicated to the history and sacrifices of the Barony of Eastward. Built to honor the achievements and struggles of the Barony’s lineage, the Hall was an enduring symbol of the family's dedication to their people and their values.
Design and Layout
- The Hall was a small, intimate chamber connected to the Hearthhall. It featured polished stone walls, adorned with etched names and inscriptions commemorating notable figures and events in the Barony’s history.
- A central feature of the Hall was a grand mural spanning one wall, depicting the first Baron of Whiteclaw's legendary battle against the Feylord. This artwork, created with painstaking detail, included the broken blade “Humility” as its centerpiece.
- While the blade itself was not kept in the Hall, as it was actively used by the family, the mural and accompanying inscriptions immortalized its significance and the values it represented.
- Enchanted sconces lined the walls, casting a soft, reverent glow over the room and creating an atmosphere of quiet reflection.
- Behind the mural, a concealed alcove held the remaining shards of Humility. This hidden compartment was designed to protect the blade’s remains in case of catastrophe, a secret entrusted only to the Baron and their closest advisors.
Purpose and Significance
- The Hall was more than a memorial; it was a place where the Eastward family and their trusted advisors gathered to reflect on the responsibilities of leadership and the sacrifices required to protect their lands.
- Humility’s legacy, represented through the mural and the Hall’s design, reminded all who entered of the family’s ethos of service, humility, and resilience.
Traditions and Memories
- The Barony observed an annual day of remembrance in this Hall, where family members, advisors, and trusted allies recounted the Barony’s victories and honored those who had given their lives in its defense.
- The Hall also served as a private space for moments of introspection. Members of the Eastward family, particularly the Baron, would often visit alone, drawing strength and guidance from the legacy preserved within its walls.
What the Party Would Know
- Before the war, the Hall of Remembrance was one of the most sacred spaces in Elder-Hearth. Its contents, especially the mural depicting Humility, were guarded with utmost care, reflecting their importance to the Barony’s identity.
- The Hall held no obvious entrances or exits beyond its main door, as its purpose was not one of secrecy but of reverence.
- The concealed alcove behind the mural contained the remaining shards of Humility, safeguarded against the chaos of war and known only to the Baron and their closest advisors.