Dukedom

The Dukedom is a distinctive 90-meter-diameter circular-shaped, domed facility situated in the glistening waters just off the eastern coast of the Mainland, adjacent to the iconic Opera House. It shares its maritime neighborhood with Homestar Port and the charming Dukeside District of New Orange City. A single bridge connects this remarkable structure to the Mainland, providing access to visitors and curious explorers.

Architecture and Design

The Dukedom boasts a captivating architectural design, with its dome entirely constructed from exquisite blue glass, a testament to its unique character. The dome stands tall, soaring to a height of 44 meters, drawing the gaze of all who pass by. The first 11 meters of the structure are made of stone. Beneath the pristine surface of the Dukedom are two sprawling underground levels extend over 60 meters below ground.

Historical Significance

The Dukedom holds a cherished place in the annals of the Shire's history. Originally, it was a sanctuary reserved exclusively for Dukes and other esteemed donator ranks. Entry to this illustrious domain was restricted, making it a prestigious privilege for those who held such titles.

In the formative years of the server, the Dukedom played a pivotal role. Before the introduction of Creative mode, this extraordinary facility served as the primary source of free building materials, distributed generously to all donator ranks. Non-donators faced the arduous task of gathering and mining resources on their own.

The first lower level of the Dukedom featured a spacious "store" where Dukes and other donators, including Viceroys and Archdukes, could freely access essential building materials. It was a haven for creators, a place where ideas could flourish with an abundance of resources at hand.

The lower basement level once served as the warp access point to exclusive donator worlds. These unique realms were accessible only to those who had achieved donator status. However, these extra worlds have since disappeared, and the warp point remains dormant, a relic of a bygone era.

Legacy

In contemporary times, the Dukedom stands as a poignant reminder of the Shire's evolution. Policies were adapted to ensure that all players could access free materials conveniently, notably through the Galleria in Laurelian. With the advent of Creative mode for all players, the need for the Dukedom's services ceased entirely.

Today, the Dukedom remains a testament to the Shire's rich history, a relic that embodies the spirit of innovation and generosity that defined its early years. It stands as a symbol of progress, a reminder of the server's enduring commitment to creating a vibrant and inclusive community for all.

Behind the Scenes

Ctshiner and nebbers built the Dukedom in early 2011 as a 'perk' for donating to the server. It has gone through a few exterior material changes, but otherwise remains unchanged from its heyday.