Manses of the Rich and Infamous

by Unknown

Back to Chronicles of the Basin.

Ildaudid2008-04-02 19:59:20
I would post some of the Kismet Manse rooms, but since they were Reiha's creation, she should post them here herself. I think she did a wonderful job with it.

Ashai2008-04-02 22:11:35
A heady grove of midnight violets and pale magnolias.
So thick as to blot out the earth in somber purple tones, a sea of violets engulfs this grove
in near entirety. Gracious magnolia trees spot the landscape, thick chestnut-colored trunks weathering waves of flowers, which encroach upon their base. The branches of these sumptuous trees are quite low to the ground, lending an intimate and secure air. Large, pale white flowers dot the branches, their rosy pink inner blossoms as coy young lasses in ivory gowns. The fair blooms of the magnolia tree are like shifting stars in a sky of deep green leaves, turned to darkly prismatic shades by the eternal dusk on the horizon. The grove is of the softest illumination, and the carpet of indigo blossoms crumples and sighs in silent ecstasy underfoot. A crisp breeze whips about lightly, and the overpowering aroma of violets is utterly intoxicating.

A modest repose of dandelions and pallid doves.
A lingering zephyr croons softly to paling sky, dissolving the rosy overhead expanse into the assured grasp of eventide, like ebon hands in sifting coral sands. Canary-stained, fluttering dandelions push forth from the earth in full vitality, their princely manes alight with the downcast rays of the wilting sun. The handsome blooms extend throughout fields of short and tawny grasses, golden heads like resplendent jewels adrift upon stirring seas of flaxen silver. Rising like sleepwalkers from beds of subtley empyreal radiance are stout, fragile
pillars which are a latticed matrix of spherical, interconnected alcoves,
reminiscent of some ivory beehive. Alabaster doves roost drowsily within the
intricate confines of each column, shifting their silken feathers absently, in
pale and stone-like repose like.

A tranquil coppice of slender cypresses and vibrant lilies.
The final rays of the smoldering sunset perpetually pierce this idyllic field, rendering the
quaint expanse in cochineal resplendence. The lissome silhouettes of tall
cypress trees fling long shadows across the grove in labyrinthine latticework,
their rigid forms furnished in deep jade needles. Tiny songbirds roost upon the
arching, wispy pinnacles of the slender trees, their reticent, lilting melodies
pervading the air. Rich and vibrant blooms ensconce the bases of the sinuous
trees and disperse themselves amidst tides of ecru grasses, like burning stars
in the pale firmament of heady, sand-colored sod. The flowers themselves are
lilies of a dazzling amber hue, their petals imbued with a vibrant, sap-like
quality, shaped like flowing script. A stout granite monolith resides here,
centered in the grove: a rectangular prism of pallid granite, reminiscent of an
archaic altar.

Upon throngs of lavender and fireweed.
The moribund gasps of fading twilight sprinkle themselves woefully across the breadth of this
pasture, soft with the dense congregations of several manner of grasses and
stalks. Apparent within muted beams of the silky, smoldering gleam of the
gloaming hour is an uncommon vibrancy amidst the rushes and sedges. A flurry of
demure purplish tones rise up in waking to the twilight hours, each a tall and
thin shoot of lavender. The shying multitude of amethyst blossoms languidly waft
their underlying perfumes about the dusky atmosphere, coalescing in fragrant
veils. Amid the subdued tones of lavender and dun-coloured grasses bleed
brilliant fuschia blooms, perched upon arching and fluttering stalks of
fireweed. The alternately pale and lurid verdure leans and bows in downy beds of
thick aromas, and the eventide creeps across the heady meadow like a satin
blanket.

These are my four favorite rooms, though my (actually Hyperion's) manse has kind of been put on the back burner lately, sadly.
Unknown2008-04-02 23:00:02
My manse! :S

A parlor of macabre eccentricities.
The corrosiveness of the taint sickens the land. The breadth and height of this
chamber, while dimensionally quite meager and cozy, is made infinitely more vast
and deep by the sheer quantity of obscure and intriguing ornaments and devices
which inhabit the space, each section of floor, wall, or ceiling adorned with
some aberrant artifact. The floor itself is of sweeping geologic anomalies,
striking veins of otherworldly hue and quality coalescing in petrified ripples
and webs which embellish the lustrous, marbled surface. Sprawled across the
chamber are the hides and furs of unnamed and exotic creatures, their coats
flecked with dried blood and still furnished with the instruments of slaughter
that once skewered the striking beasts. A convoluted latticework of fine string
spreads and drapes across the ceiling, from which hangs an aberrant rainbow of
warped bottles, a veritable panoply of opaque glasses. The prismatic flasks,
some smelling of sickly sweet solutions, others of heady musk, and some of
frankly foul fluids, sway erratically in precarious suspension above the room.
The walls are venerated with various weapons wrought of a finely macabre
artistry, and the saucy bearing of the room is as thick and potent as the
pervading redolence of spirits.

in

A chamber of flowing veils.
The corrosiveness of the taint sickens the land. A subdued lambency permeates
the chamber, flickering and fluttering, the enigmatic source of illumination
obfuscated by latticed, screened iron sconces fixed to each bedchamber wall. The
imposing geometry of both leaden and tenebrous lanterns and the four walls of
tawny marble which encompass the square floor of equivalent substance lend an
air of austere, yet stately elegance. The walls, otherwise stark and stoic,
extend upwards infinitely into thick darkness which blots out the ceiling, like
the flattened brows of pristinely ancient earth. All in contrast to the general
masculine grandiosity, delicately gossamer curtains hang inexplicably from
overhead, streaming and sweeping about the chamber in ethereal repose, ever so
diaphanous. The resplendent shades of the silken fabrics themselves are akin to
the evanescent twilight: coy amber, paling vermilion, wispy rose and wan
cerulean, all coalescing in a veil of muted splendor. The gauzy fabrics are
fettered into several knots, the ends of which scarcely caress a glittering
floor of inlaid rubies and beryl amidst pale granite. A slight depression
circumscribes the swirling, jeweled mosaic, centered upon the square floor of
the bedroom, the perimeter absently traced by such flowing drapes. An extremely
grand eight-poster bed looms decadently within the centre of the room. An
elegant cabinet of rich red wood has been pushed against the wall, its mirror
offering reflection in the available light, the doors wide open.
Ashai2008-04-02 23:08:19
I described Bali's manse too :>
Reiha2008-04-03 01:01:00
QUOTE(Ildaudid @ Apr 2 2008, 12:59 PM) 498869
I would post some of the Kismet Manse rooms, but since they were Reiha's creation, she should post them here herself. I think she did a wonderful job with it.

Awww, thanks! wub.gif But they're all still under construction and have bad grammar tongue.gif
Myndaen2008-04-03 01:06:11
QUOTE(Reiha @ Apr 2 2008, 08:01 PM) 498936
Awww, thanks! wub.gif But they're all still under construction and have bad grammar tongue.gif


Lrn2read.
Reiha2008-04-03 01:10:07
QUOTE(Myndaen @ Apr 2 2008, 06:06 PM) 498940
Lrn2read.

I hate you.... crying.gif
Unknown2008-04-03 01:35:53
I'm not sure if it's "droolable", but it's all my very own work.

QUOTE
Within a lichen-laiden maw of stone.
Thick, clammy air dominates this area and weighs heavily upon those who find themselves here, interrupted on rare occasions by surprisingly intense instances of roiling heat, as though some enormous beast were exhaling heavily. It is extremely difficult to see, as only faint patches of pulsing, coloured light provide any means of proper vision. Close examination would reveal the source of these emissions to be large patches of phosphorescent lichens: green, violet, and scarlet in hue. They cling to the plentiful layers of limestone and slate extending all around. To the west, the rock seems to end abruptly before a series of massive, jagged outcroppings extending from the floor and ceiling. Beyond this lithic set of fangs extends an impenetrable sea of shadow. To the east, the cavernous walls appear to constrict slightly as they wind away into a corridor. A single knotted hemlock extends to the ceiling in the centre of this chamber, its massive roots clutching at the slick rock around it with an enduring vice grip. You see a sign here instructing you to use the PORTAL command to enter the aetherplex system.
You see a single exit leading east.

Corridor of giant mushrooms.
Becoming warmer and less humid as you advance farther, the layers of limestone become noticeably fewer and thinner, leaving only slate. The sides of the corridor are crowded by numerous mushrooms, varying in height and diameter from several inches to several feet. They intermittently glow like the lichen of the previous chamber: some black, some gray, some white, though all possessing a smattering of crimson atop their caps. The faint scent of burnt carrion emanates from them. An occasional end of a root can be found peeking out from between the many sheets of slate along the walls as one looks off farther to the east. Occasional drafts of cold, moist air run through from the west to the east, shortly followed by drafts of dry, hot air churning out from the east to the west.
You see exits leading east and west.

Dense copse devouring the cavern.
The shadowy outline of a twisted forest casts a dark gloom here. The corridor ends abruptly at a large chamber packed full of thin, gnarled trees. Their roots run rampant across not only the floor, but the walls and ceiling too, and indeed many of the trees themselves are anchored to these surfaces, leaving nary a hint of slate to be seen. Thousands of branches thus reach out towards the chamber's centre, meeting and intertwining into a pattern strongly reminiscent of a spider's web. Heavy, fleshy mauve sacs hang from several particularly sturdy branches through the chamber, pulsating like the lichens and mushrooms that came before - the myriad shadows cast by their sinister luminescence seeming to flow and move to their own accord. The air here is hot, thin, and arid. Any draft carrying in moisture from the west is swiftly consumed by the ravenous copse. A lavish throne sprawls here, its intimidating presence dominating the area.

Sequestered alcove amidst the roots.
The path in from the southwest now barely discernible from between the tightly woven roots and branches in the way, this small circular chamber is clearly meant to be kept hidden. The walls and ceiling here are yet dominated by roots, a few patches of glowing lichen clinging to them. The floor, however, is a single smooth sheet of slate. A tiny pool of dark, viscous liquid borders the northern most roots, bubbling softly and giving off a heavy ferric aroma. Black shamrocks run about the perimeter of the chamber profusely. Though still hot and arid, the air here somehow seems less oppressive. A sturdy bookshelf covered with dark slate dominates one wall, its shelves dimly lit by a concealed luminescence.
Unknown2008-04-03 02:08:38
Hurrah for nature-themed rooms! The manse rooms I'm fond of are...

An ivory pavilion overlooking the Starfish.
Carved from flawless pearl, this hexagonal pavilion has an interlacing domed
roof that hosts an abundance of flowering vines, each releasing the tantalizing
scent of jasmine. The entire isle is visible from this vantage point; directly
below sprawls a sandy desert garden and to the north rises a small smoking
volcano, while stretching outwards are the five colossal arms of the Hyper
Starfish. Its skin is rough and sporadically covered by moss or natural rock,
while the tips are encased in opalescent armour. The Starfish drifts over a vast
azure ocean, occasionally passing a small island with a palm tree or two. From
time to time, however, glimpses of aetherspace can be spotted in the firmament,
revealing the beautiful surroundings to be nothing more than an illusion. Covered
in flowering vines, a peach-hued rocker sits here placidly.


Molten Concourse of the Hyper Starfish.
The bluish grey walls of this pentagonal concourse are formed from hard igneous
rock, hosting a myriad of luscious ruby flowers that grows out of its cracks.
Rivulets of bright magma run through the walls in odd geometric patterns, while
minute butterflies composed of pure orange light flutter about the room,
occasionally gathering around the flowers. The ground is covered by a thick
sheet of glass and glows slowly yet rhythmically, like the pulsing heart of a
great beast. Opal archways open up to the various arms of the Starfish, while a
gear-operated glass elevator at the northern end of the room provides quick
access to the surface.

The Hot Springs of Wisdom.
This location is flooded with shallow, crystal clear water. A blanket of light
mist enshrouds this room, leaving a warm and therapeutic feel on your skin.
Smooth stone tiles pave the ground, offering ample traction on the otherwise
slippery floor, while soft cotton towels lie patiently over three wooden racks
by the entrance. The springs dominate the northern portion of the room and are
surrounded by small glistening boulders, giving some privacy to the bathers. A
lone paper lantern stands next to the springs, allowing occupants to enjoy a
quiet read either in or out of the water. Bamboo walls enclose the entire space,
while an eternally night sky opens up overhead, dotted by tiny twinkling stars.
Hanging from above, a bookshelf of wood and rope, entwined with vines, is here.

I've been meaning to fix them up but ... too unmotivated sleep.gif And my poor starfish only has 2 arms sad.gif
Unknown2008-04-04 05:12:49
Cathedral of Lachesis
Four marble walls yawn into the cavernous heights above, the ceiling barely visible amongst the shadows and darkness that dance overhead. Porcelain sconces, shaped in the form of up-folded hands in prayer, adorn the white walls as they shed their light into the air. Two rows of doric columns stretch from the doorway to the left, as they spout from the floor and make their way to the eastern end of the room. A massive alter rests on the eastern end of the room, its body etched from a deep emerald jade that glistens with inherent power. Two statues of resting sphinxes make the legs of the altar, their bodies and faces given such a masterful touch that they appear to stare deep into the soul of those nearby. Their wings make the altar's top, feathered and folded about each other as if in an avian embrace. Various tools litter the altar that rests before a giant stained glass window that towers over the room. Glass and colour of every imaginable combination has been placed within the stained glass mural, creating a scene of a cloaked middle-aged woman holding a flickering candle in one hand and raising the other towards the end in a sign of blessing. Her eyes stare up into the heavens above, as her black hair cascades out of the cloak that covers her and down to the ground at her feet. White quartz and amethyst stones have been worked into the three steps leading up to the altar and the stained glass window, glistening faintly when the lights brushes their surfaces. Two pediments cover the doorways to the north and the west, small effigies of white owls in mid-flight worked carefully into the balustrade of each pediment. A deep haze of incense that smells faintly of rose water, myrrh, and frankincense, hangs just above the ground to create an eerie sense of quietude in this sanctuary.

In the midst of a shadowed hallway
White marble walls extend and yawn into the towering heights overhead, shadows swimming and dancing in eclectic intervals within the disappearing ceiling. Mosaics of crystal and paint mix together on both walls, casting a story of prophecies and tales long forgotten in the echo of history. The floor gleams with porcelain and pearl motifs, weaving in a dance of lines and eccentric patterns that disappear in the darkness ahead. Four solomn statues rest in alcoves, two on the left wall and two on the right wall. Each statue has been carved with a masterful hand to mimic a realism that boasts proudly of the work given to each. The first statue is that of a cloaked woman, her face cast downwards, as she stares off into space. The second statue is that of a young man in full nudity, his hands twisted before him fervent prayer to an unseen presence that lingers behind him in wisps of smoke. The third statue is that of an elderly woman who's eyes are devoid of expression, save of a lone tear that traces itself down her right cheek. The final statue is that of Lacostian, the Mysterial Lord, who holds a gargantuan pearl in his hands and watches it with a loving smile. Above each alcove, stained glass windows allow just enough light in to tantalize the darkness with scenes of the Glomdoring's massive forest. A heady mixture of burning myrrh and rose water mixes in the air, creating a deep purple haze that rests just above the ground in wisps of smoke and incense. The hallway vanishes off to the northwest through a towering ebony door.
Triana2008-04-04 05:48:22
QUOTE(Ashai @ Apr 2 2008, 07:08 PM) 498911
I described Bali's manse too :>

Oh sure, but I did all the nagging. I deserve at least partial credit.
Aison2008-04-04 09:11:52
I especially like Ashai's and Wuylinfe's wub.gif

I figured I'd share mine, though it is a work in progress right now. And sort of 'themed' around cypress vines (not to be confused with cypress trees).


A plentiful oasis.
This location is flooded with shallow, crystal clear water. This lush oasis centre is covered in emerald green grass, mostly left to grow wildly and only slightly contained by the light stone pathways. Surrounding the entire area are Oleanvir trees and large trees of varying types that are representative of those which grow across the Serenwilde. There is a small stream of water through the room that sections off an island, on which a garden of golden bushes grow before a climbing bush of cypress vines, their flowers growing in odd shades of white, yellow, and blue. Skarch shrubs and cacti grow on the sandy isle, vivid red and blue flowers growing on top of them. A small bridge is installed to allow people to cross from one land mass to the other, and the stream itself leads to a very small pond, in which fish dart about.


An open terrace.
Rust-red tiles have been set into the fertile earth to create a firm patio area in which to view the beautiful landscape before you. Simple tables and similar chairs sit beneath the slight shade offered by a half-extended roof that sports a thin sheen of fabric to keep cool nights warm and warm days cool, and to stray off annoying bugs, leaving some of the furniture in the abundant sunlight. Beyond the patio, clay-like earth supports waving, green grass and low, tangled bushes that creep up the chiseled hill behind it, starkly cut of rock but softened by vegetation. Rich orange and red tones contrast with the emeralds of the nearby garden, creating a breath-taking duality of environments.

Talkan and I still have four more rooms to add, once we get the gold. Stay tuned!
Revan2008-04-04 09:14:58
I'd post the room descs of the Aethership I donated to Morgy's Order, but he made all the rooms and I wouldn't want to steal his flair by posting them myself >.>
Unknown2008-04-04 19:20:33
Thanks Aison! I love that desert-garden and patio look you have going on too roseglasses.gif

And

QUOTE(Marina_Whytetower @ Apr 4 2008, 01:12 AM) 499466
In the midst of a shadowed hallway
White marble walls extend and yawn into the towering heights overhead, shadows swimming and dancing in eclectic intervals within the disappearing ceiling. Mosaics of crystal and paint mix together on both walls, casting a story of prophecies and tales long forgotten in the echo of history. The floor gleams with porcelain and pearl motifs, weaving in a dance of lines and eccentric patterns that disappear in the darkness ahead. Four solomn statues rest in alcoves, two on the left wall and two on the right wall. Each statue has been carved with a masterful hand to mimic a realism that boasts proudly of the work given to each. The first statue is that of a cloaked woman, her face cast downwards, as she stares off into space. The second statue is that of a young man in full nudity, his hands twisted before him fervent prayer to an unseen presence that lingers behind him in wisps of smoke. The third statue is that of an elderly woman who's eyes are devoid of expression, save of a lone tear that traces itself down her right cheek. The final statue is that of Lacostian, the Mysterial Lord, who holds a gargantuan pearl in his hands and watches it with a loving smile. Above each alcove, stained glass windows allow just enough light in to tantalize the darkness with scenes of the Glomdoring's massive forest. A heady mixture of burning myrrh and rose water mixes in the air, creating a deep purple haze that rests just above the ground in wisps of smoke and incense. The hallway vanishes off to the northwest through a towering ebony door.


I am very curious as to what those statues symbolize huh.gif
Unknown2008-04-04 22:56:42
The Hot Springs of Wisdom.
This location is flooded with shallow, crystal clear water. A blanket of light
mist enshrouds this room, leaving a warm and therapeutic feel on your skin.
Smooth stone tiles pave the ground, offering ample traction on the otherwise
slippery floor, while soft cotton towels lie patiently over three wooden racks
by the entrance. The springs dominate the northern portion of the room and are
surrounded by small glistening boulders, giving some privacy to the bathers. A
lone paper lantern stands next to the springs, allowing occupants to enjoy a
quiet read either in or out of the water. Bamboo walls enclose the entire space,
while an eternally night sky opens up overhead, dotted by tiny twinkling stars.
Hanging from above, a bookshelf of wood and rope, entwined with vines, is here.

Shou's manse room reminds me of the room in Lacostian's old temple. I like it.
Shaddus2008-04-05 18:42:02
It's not much, but it's home. Small, yet serves a purpose.

Spider's Den.
The corrosiveness of the taint sickens the land. This hexagonal room is covered
in arachnids, from the webs on the ceiling, to the small spiders crawling on the
floor. A small webshaped window to the west peers out into aetherspace, and you
spy what seems to be a hydrian floating along. In the middle of the room lies a
small candle, giving off just enough light to assist in seeing, but not enough
to dispel the shadows in the corners. The northern wall is covered in various
pictures of herbs, for study, and the southern wall has various names written
upon it, with checks next to a few. Looking down, you notice a motif of Illith,
etched deeply into the floor, and inlaid in emerald and onyx. A gorgeous bed
dominates the room, its golden and ruby scales sparkling with an inner fire. A
painting of the Voice of Baalphegar is proudly exhibited on a nearby wall.

And a friend's room, ignore the water sad.gif

This location is flooded with shallow, crystal clear water. This huge geode has
been converted into a spacious room, small crystals turned into lit surfaces
with a few strategically placed candles. Small stars of light surround the room
from the candles, giving it an almost ghostly look. Small bits of moss add
padding to the floor, and cushion footfalls. A small round door leads to the
west, oak and bronze tightly filling the frame. Above, the geode has been cut
away and a small glass ceiling installed, showing aetherspace in all of its
darkened glory. In the distance, you spy the aetherbubble of Frosticia, ice
crystals slowly spinning off of it as it turns on its axis. A stately divan
couch of jade stands here, decorated with vivid red filigree. Soft, thick carpet
covers the ground here, a deep mossy green in hue. A finely wrought mahogany
chair stands here. A jade chests rests in the corner of the room, its lid lying
open reflecting the available light.
Unknown2008-05-02 18:55:20
Oooh. I likey.
Aison2008-05-02 19:47:53

A pergola among halcyon orchards.
Verdant hills and an orchard of various fruits make this area smell sweet and fresh. Trees grow high and plentiful and the soft grass has been trimmed neatly to provide a walkway to the serene pergola that rests atop the highest hill in the centre of the copse. Grey stones make the steps to the golden shelter, weathered by age and covered in moss. The pergola itself provides a shady area for sitting, built to be towering and high, allowing an eyeful of the surrounding landscape. Fireflies have made their home above the haven, and so many have been attracted that it's enough to light up the area from nighttime until dawn.
Unknown2008-05-02 22:35:46
QUOTE(Aison @ May 2 2008, 03:47 PM) 508342
A pergola among halcyon orchards.
Verdant hills and an orchard of various fruits make this area smell sweet and fresh. Trees grow high and plentiful and the soft grass has been trimmed neatly to provide a walkway to the serene pergola that rests atop the highest hill in the centre of the copse. Grey stones make the steps to the golden shelter, weathered by age and covered in moss. The pergola itself provides a shady area for sitting, built to be towering and high, allowing an eyeful of the surrounding landscape. Fireflies have made their home above the haven, and so many have been attracted that it's enough to light up the area from nighttime until dawn.


I died when I read your room. I absolutely love pergolas. You made my day today. wub.gif