Location [Syliras Location] The Barracks

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This shining population center is considered the jewel of The Sylira Region. Home of the vast majority of Mizahar's population, Syliras is nestled in a quiet, sprawling valley on the shores of the Suvan Sea. [Lore]

[Syliras Location] The Barracks

Postby Plume on July 17th, 2015, 1:07 am

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Most buildings within Syliras favor function over form, and The Barracks are no exception. There are seven Barracks in total, one stationed in every Syliran district, and each can house up to roughly a hundred knights. The buildings themselves are made of stone and consist almost purely of thick, windowless walls. A few openings here and there exist for the sole purpose of arrows and strategic vision. Aesthetically, these entirely knight-run and knight-occupied structures can seem stark, even austere, to newcomers. However, regular citizens of Syliras find security in the presence of a Barrack, as crime rates and general disturbances of peace lower significantly the closer one gets to these formidable establishments. In times of dire need, maximum occupancy can be increased to house any citizens in need of protection.

The Barracks were built with the possibility of siege in mind. Their walls are thick enough that breaking through them would require siege weapons or perhaps powerful magic. Due to the lack of windows, the interiors are usually lit with torches and candles, though most knights living within are used to the dimness. This also means that during seasonal changes the building can become extra hot or cold, depending on the weather. Because of the lack of ventilation, all knights are also trained to follow strict drills in the event of a large fire.

Every Barrack consists of two main levels. Anything higher serves as a lookout point for those on patrol. At the heart of each Barrack is The Keep, where officers' quarters sits at the top floor and the armory is located on the first. Spread across both floors around The Keep are tightly packed common quarters for the rest of the knights, as well as a mess hall for daily meals. All tasks within a Barrack, be it cooking, guarding, patrolling, or regular maintenance of any kind is handled by the knights themselves. Each knight living in a Barrack contributes to these duties without exception, thereby building a tight knit system of camaraderie and support, as well as eliminating any need for extra help.


Main Sectors

 
Common Quarters
Image Every knight on duty is allowed access to a bunk and a chest to store their things. They share a large room that comes with simple furnishings, including rows of bunk beds, small desks and chairs, and lanterns for lighting. There is no hearth and flames bigger than that of a torch or candle are strictly forbidden, as there is no way to efficiently handle large amounts of smoke.

During times of disaster or siege, knights may need to make more space within these common rooms, depending on how many civilians require accommodations. Otherwise these rooms are only for knights in active duty and any family members or guests are prohibited.


 
Officer Quarters
Image Because the officer quarters are at the top of the keep, these rooms are the only ones allowed hearths. Each fireplace is connected to a simple system of vents that leads to the main parapets. Furnishings are also slightly more comfortable and elaborate, including a larger desk, extra chairs, two chests, a bureau, and a large rug. Aside from these additions, every officer's quarters includes the same amenities as common quarters.

It is not uncommon for multiple officers to meet in private in one another's rooms to discuss urgent or sensitive matters. For this reason, thick tapestries adorn many of the rooms' walls to mute sound and non-officers require special permission to enter this part of the keep. Anyone who is not accompanied by an officer or bearing a letter of permission is denied access.


 
Mess Hall
ImageThough able to seat large numbers of people, the Mess Hall is rarely ever filled to capacity. This is because the way routines are scheduled within the Barracks ensures that only a couple dozen knights are ever in the same place at any given time. While one group is tasked with cooking, another will sit down to eat. Once those eating finish they will then switch with the kitchen workers and swap roles. Such a system allows duties to be fulfilled in a timely and efficient manner, as well as keep the halls and rooms free of major congestion.

The Mess Hall itself consists of long benches and tables. Daily meals are simple, usually a combination of bread, cheese, and broth. Meat is most often served during the fairer seasons and less so during Winter. Celebratory events and important announcements are also held in the Mess Hall.


 
Armory
Image Located on the first floor of the Keep, the Armory is a combination of two rooms. One is used to store all armor, weaponry, and tools to maintain knightly equipment. The other serves as a training or sparring ground.

Within the armory proper, knights have access to all manner of gear, ranging from swords, bows, and axes to both metal and leather armor. There is also training gear available, which includes wooden sparring swords and padded cloth armor. An inventory is kept carefully and meticulously by the officers of a Barrack of all the equipment kept in the armories. If a knight wishes to take a piece of equipment outside of the armory or training room they must have written permission from an officer.

Image Sitting beside the armory is the training room. There are no windows and only one door, which is mostly left open to let in fresher air. The surrounding walls are lit by large torches, which the knights keep alive at all bells. Sounds of labored breath and furious shouts, as well as good natured jibes, are frequently heard from this section of the Keep. Sometimes other knights will come watch how a sparring match is proceeding, though bets are heavily discouraged.

Any injuries inflicted during training must be seen to by the knights themselves. Intentional harm born out of malcontent or poor sportsmanship will be punished severely and swiftly.


 
The O.C.H.
ImageLocated in the center of the officer quarters, the Officer Conference Hall is not so much a hall as it is a room. In it is a table reserved for the highest ranking officers to convene and discuss important matters over. Guards are always posted outside the doors during meetings and absolutely no one is allowed inside unless given explicit permission.

It is not uncommon for officers to eat their meals during meetings as well. They will usually bring their food up on their own, but sometimes other knights will be sent to do this in their stead.


 
Peacekeeper Office
ImageThe Peacekeeper Office is on the first floor closest to the main doors. It is a small, humble room supplied with various record keeping tools. Usually one or two knights will man the office, where people can submit complaints, report crimes or suspicious activities, or make various other kinds of inquiries. It is usually open from the crack of dawn until late in the evening.


Moderation Note :
Please moderate according to your status and rank. The Peacekeeper Office is open to regular citizens, but all other areas require membership within the Order or special permission from an ST.

Location credits to Plume
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Plume
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