Hyunadorea
Castle Hyunadorea is one of several Ich Imperial Estates, serving as a summer retreat for Emperor Sammich of the New Sammichian Empire. Located in the northwest reaches of Oldeshire, the castle sits in relative isolation, surrounded by rugged terrain with its nearest neighbors being the distant communities of Hideaway Hills and Chester Mills to the southeast.
Though modest in size compared to other imperial holdings, Castle Hyunadorea embodies the eccentric tastes and symbolic pageantry associated with the ruling Ich Dynasty. The estate is known not for its scale, but for its privacy, symbolic architecture, and enigmatic features— particularly its link to the vanished city of Assassin City.
History & Ownership
Castle Hyunadorea was constructed as a personal retreat for Emperor Sammus Mephistes Inigmax vos Ich II, the current head (or Dinastius) of the Ich Dynasty, the most historically enduring and influential royal family in the world. Though the New Sammichian Empire’s power base is centered in Demmatrodine, and the Emperor rules from Castle Mugg in Fulfwotz, the Ich family’s holdings span the entire Shire.
The estate is one of the more recently constructed Ich residences, though its exact date of construction remains undisclosed— a common secrecy among the dynasty’s properties. Speculation persists that Castle Hyunadorea was built atop or near the site of a mysterious and now-erased settlement known only as Assassin City.
Architecture & Grounds
Castle Hyunadorea occupies a compact footprint of roughly 50 by 40 meters, with a stone construction that features three distinct towers:
- Two steepled towers with elegant birch roofs
- One flat-roofed stone tower, likely used for utility or defense
Upon passing through the main gates, visitors enter a sunken courtyard with pristinely maintained gardens and a small water fountain built into one of the exterior walls. This tranquil design contrasts with the stark imperialism of many other Ich residences, suggesting a more introspective retreat for the Emperor.
Interior Layout
- Throne Room: Located just inside the main entrance, modest in size but finely adorned.
- Banquet Hall: Found at the end of a long corridor to the left of the throne room.
- Guard Quarters: Behind the throne room is a steepled tower housing bunks for 20 guards.
- Kitchen: The second floor features the main kitchen, with staff quarters for 8 cooks on the floor above.
- Guest Quarters: The third floor contains four private bedrooms for imperial guests or favored courtiers.
- Imperial Quarters: The fourth floor is reserved entirely for Emperor Sammich’s private use.
- Roof Terrace: The fifth floor opens to a private rooftop balcony and sunbathing area, a rare personal luxury in the otherwise defensive-minded architecture.
Dock & Access
A small dock on the castle’s edge allows mooring of a single vessel, enhancing the estate’s seclusion. There is no major road or rail connection to the castle, reinforcing its role as a quiet and secretive imperial retreat.
The Assassin City Mystery
South of the castle walls, a suspended wooden bridge connects to a small rocky outcrop where two cryptic signs reside:
“RIP Assassin City”
A hidden plaque beneath reads: “Hurrah the city is gone! Hurrah!”
The meaning of these inscriptions remains a local mystery. Historians speculate that Castle Hyunadorea may have been built atop the ruins of an earlier, possibly disgraced settlement known as Assassin City. Whether this was an imperial purge, a warning, or a private joke by Emperor Sammich himself remains unknown— adding to the enigmatic lore surrounding the estate.
Imperial Context: The Ich Dynasty
Castle Hyunadorea is one of several grand properties owned by the Ich Dynasty, a ruling house with roots stretching back over 2,000 years. Known for their paranoia, power consolidation, and massive private fortune, the Ichs have built and maintained an impressive array of estates throughout the Shire.
As with all Ich properties, Castle Hyunadorea likely harbors hidden vaults, escape routes, and perhaps imperial artifacts— all guarded with an intense degree of secrecy.
Legacy & Cultural Significance
While not a centerpiece of the empire, Castle Hyunadorea offers a rare glimpse into the private life of Emperor Sammich. Its compact scale, luxurious top-floor quarters, and mysterious surroundings all contribute to its mystique. To scholars of the Ich family, Hyunadorea represents the duality of the dynasty: splendor cloaked in secrecy, power hidden behind beauty.