Briarthorn Castle
This is the central castle of Briarthorn Woods, home to the Dark Nobility of vampires. The castle is built upon the stone cliffs of a lake which encircles it on both the eastern and southern sides. The waters of this lake are still as glass and cold as ice. An eerie mist constantly clings to its surface, giving it a haunted feeling when one looks upon it. On the northern end of the castle, spanning out for numerous acres is the courtyard, on the western side lays the entry gates. All around the castle, spanning for miles is the Briarthorn Wood itself.
Briarthorn Wood
The woods that surround the castle are thick with oak trees, twisting roots cover the ground and bare trunks leaving little to climb on. Thorned ivy thrives here, covering most of the ground and clinging to the trees. But the danger of the woods is not the plants, but the creatures that dwell within the shadows.
Claw marks disfigure many of the trees, blood staining stones and bark. No bones or bodies, only tale-tell signs of death.
Glowing yellow eyes watch from the shadows, and the deeper you walk into the wood the more vulnerable and exposed you feel. Whispers echo just beyond recognition, and the sound of something following just out of sigh is all you hear.
Castle Gates
The castle gates are made of thick rod iron, with metalworking of curving vines; placed for both decoration a swell as to keep any space far to small to pass through.These elaborate gates are embedded into dark stone walls that guard the castle from the beasts of the Briarthorn Wood, stone Gargoyles watch from the highest points of the posts; their faces mangled in a persistent rage. There is a thin road which a carriage rides along on occasion, but for the most part the gates remain closed.
There is a small fountain in the entry courtyard, of two women holding up a sphere, their bodies nude save for the modestly clinging cloth. Water bubbles from the sphere , and splatters down the figures stone bodies into a pool below them.
The doors to the castle are large and heavy. Made of oak and reinforced with more metalworking vines. Stone steps lead up to this door, and on ether side rest twisted metal stands which hold oil burning lamps.
The entry way is intimidatingly large, the doors reaching up beyond ten feet in height. The stone walls give off a chill, the small oil born flames always flickering as though even the fire was weakened by this buildings cold.
Courtyard
The garden courtyard is guarded from the wood by large stone walls which are covered in thick ivy and rosebushes. The two have entwine their thorns to vines and climb ever higher along the walls. The grass and stone laden walkways make this a lush garden of noble design. Decorative statues and fountains can be found throughout the garden, and isolated places to sit dot along the lakefront, hidden under large weeping willows.
It is a peaceful place, calming and protected. A sweet smell of roses and musk from the Willows always int he air. The view of the lake, and often the reflection of the rising moon gives an almost magical feeling to this part of the castle.
Castle interior
Inside the castle, most of the rooms are the same in elaborate design. Thick wine red carpets cover the floors, keeping the stone chill at bay. The walls covered in tapestrys or paintings, having oil lamps placed throughout the halls to give off a moderate light. Tables of dark wood, glossed to a good finish. Large fireplaces, and overstuffed chairs of fine black cloth.
The first floor is devoted to daily living. Sitting rooms, lounges, dining rooms, the kitchens, and balcony which overlooks the lake. The second floor was devoted to that of the residence bedchambers. Each designed specifically to the owners specifications.
The subfloor belongs to the slaves. Still decorated in the same way as the rest of the house, no expense was spared; but these rooms held locks upon them. An elaborate prison, but a prison none the less.
