Rooms

Heathfield Castle

Heathfield castle is situated on the far southern coast nestled above high cliffs, the ocean crashing against her ocean side. The other side leads out to lush green lands, gardens, lakes and forests, approximately 300,000 square miles in all. Those who didn't live on the castle grounds itself, lived in scattered villages throughout the lands. Ranches and manor homes too had been built with their own walls of protection and guards. A great outer wall surrounds a few hundred acres, many guards on daily duty, patrolling them. The drawbridge, that crosses the moat, is usually down in peaceful times as Heathfield-Ballicastle -Tyremoor are castles of peaceful ways. The gates are open, although guarded, and upon entering one found the Commons first. There, one would find various businesses lining the streets along with the marketplace where tenders called out their wares. The castles are well guarded but these are also Druid lands and there is protection in that way too, to keep the peace of an ethereal quality in wards set up by the Druid Prince, Andrew.

Upon entering the castle main doors you will first go through a long foyer-hall lined with weapons, shields and armor of old, fastened down in place like a museum. Portraits of family members of times past and present hang on the walls and banners of these families hung from the rafters. At the end of the hall and to the left in the Grand room where a large door cattycorner to the hearth, one that spans a wall large enough to heat the whole room. The door leads out onto a long balcony nearly spanning the whole side over the cliffs. Stairs leading down from one side will take you to a sandy beach that had formed in the break of the cliffs, in the bay of the port. One path from there leads to the cover where the ships are docked. Another path leads up behind the castle to the stables near the hanging gardens.

From the bar area of the Grand room of the castle is the kitchen which also ran behind the banquet room and a kitchen staircase that ran up to the upper levels of member rooms. Leading off from this Grand castle room is a corridor, guest bedrooms to the right and to the left is a spiral staircase that led upstairs to the upper levels where the members rooms were and a few other spare rooms and offices. Along the main floor corridor one would find the royal ball room, banquet room, art gallery, library, sitting rooms, game room, conference rooms and a throne room. At the end of this main floor corridor is a door, one that led down to the dungeons and a catacomb of rooms, the first being where the forge was to make weapons, holding cells that are kept clean. A maze leading deep into the earth and rock that held Heathfield above. Beyond the commons was another wall that held the castle and gardens itself. It was a large castle, a number of stories high, topped off with four towers that disappeared into the clouds at times.

The banquet hall is decorated in Heathfield's colors of purple and gold. Sentries stand on either side of the double wide doors. Just inside one of the Ladies of the land will greet you during one of these feasts and/or balls. Long tables dressed in deep purple table cloths line one, long wall. Trays upon trays of food fill these tables, buffet style. Fresh breads and biscuits, spiced meats and poultry and cheese of all varieties. Desserts are also there in plenty. Cakes, pies, sweet breads, tarts and cookies to satisfy even the pickiest sweet tooth. Plates, silverware and purple cloth napkins lined in gold are available at one end and guests are expected to serve themselves. <Banquet room text by MirandaMcAndrews>

The Ball room is large and airy with glass windows that reach from sculptured ceiling to parquet oak floors below to display the courtyard gardens beyond. By day sunlight enters via the windows unhindered giving a warm glow to the rich woods of floors and walls. Stained glass designs at the tops depict the Heathfield shield and various family's crests in a colorful array. Torches at night give off enough light and the doubled doors left open during the balls so that individuals and couples alike can make use of the gardens beyond. One can hear the laughter and voices in conversations mingled with the various stings of music that filter through the whole castle and the grounds beyond.. there is a ball this night. A waltz has many out on the dance floor while others enjoy tables laden with food and drink set up along the sides. Some are found walking in the gardens to enjoy the the large fountain lit by torches and the sweet fragrance of flowers all around as romance blossoms for some. These are the days of pleasant memories as history marches on.

Large windows in the Grand room of the castle along with many of the bedroom chambers' balconies, displayed the lush gardens outside, the courtyard sporting a fountain and two statues, one of a woman, the other of a man on horseback who couldn't seem to draw his eyes from the maiden. The courtyard garden led to the Hanging Gardens were the terrain was used to have the lush gardens go right up the side that inclined up a steep embankment. Benches and fountains along with private alcoves could be found in all of them. Just about every kind of flower and blooming bushes were grown in the various gardens, some taken care of by royal subjects themselves along with hired gardeners. The Celtic garden was nestled near the forest where Andrew's Crystal Cave was. It held the feel of the Druids more than any of the others and was protected by tall pines. Many came just to seek this healing solace it offered. Rock gardens held benches to rest, the path soon leading to a natural waterfall down the sides of a rock formation, spilling out into a medium sized pool. Another path led to the naturally heated springs whose warmth was a godsend for aching bones.

Eons of echoes filled the spar hall of Heathfield; voices raised in cheers, the clash of metal against metal, the growled out efforts of combatants as they came face to face in physical challenge. Along one side of the large rectangular room was the dais, in the center the high-backed chairs for the Queen's most honored guests. Three rows on either side formed a semicircle for those who also wished to enjoy the excitement of competition and when those too were filled, standing room only along the walls. Well lit during the day by the large oval windows, ceiling to floor, which allowed the sun to stream in. Well lit by night with the many torches attached to the walls between those windows, reflecting off the glass to further illuminate the hall. The walls were of deep mahogany, the wooden floors, specially designed and cushioned beneath to absorb the shock of contact.

Displayed along the entrance wall were the weapons and shields of Heathfield's history. The emblems of courage and strength, chivalry and honor. The wood itself was engraved with the signatures of the many brave men who had, over the centuries, sparred within these walls. Those who proudly donned the gold and purple of these lands as well as those who came to test their own skill against Heathfield's warriors most renown. Enter the hall and feel the energy which radiates from it's very walls. Enter the hall and experience the rush of adrenaline, the quickening of the blood, the tickling of gooseflesh as it puckers the skin. Enter the spar hall of Heathfield ... and step past the common existence of the everyday and into the wondrous pageantry of old. <Spar hall text by KarlVonRundstedt>

The ornate wooden carved doors were open to the Chapel in invitation. Here was a world of serenity, a tranquility to fill one's Soul. It was more than the soft glow of candles in their various holders that were held to tables and scones along the walls alike, more than the rich grain of wood so well carved in paneling of the room, nor even the high ceilings of paintings of various religious scenes. It was more than the spaciousness that angels could take wing within, it was more than the wooden pews that lined either wall and rows in-between for one to sit in quiet prayer. The Chapel was a haven for all, no matter what life troubles they carried, it was a place all were welcomed to ease their Soul. There was a wooden cross on the wall behind the marble alter and a few various statues of well known Saints. Still, this Chapel catered to many beliefs that had at their core, the One God, no matter what else one might refer to the Creator of the Heavens and Earth as.

There was another haven within the castles' walls and this was the Library. As the Chapel was food for the Soul, the Library was food for the Mind. There was a peace to be found here also in the quiet rooms of study. There are two floors of rooms filled with books, sectioned off into various interests. There was even a children's' corner with wide tables where they had story time and were taught to read in conjunction with their learning at school. Here too the walls were paneled in a rich ornately carved wood grain. Arches between rooms had the appearance of ancient Greek columns. Thick woven rugs of oriental design covered the floors to help keep the rooms quiet as those milled about the well stocked shelves of books. There was another floor associated with the Library as part of a learning history, this was the Art Gallery which took up the third floor. Paintings, artifacts, statues and various forms of art and even crafts could be found here. Lessons were often given and craft times held for those with such an interest, with the wealth of the Library below any artistic skill could be learned.

The Thistle Tavern, found in the Commons, held a comfortable rustic look. A great oaken bar was highly polished with a large mirror behind made with the Heathfield crest etched into its surface: A golden dragon in front of a white cross with thistle entwined against a backdrop of a purple shield. The place was kept immaculately cleaned and well stocked. It was here that one could find the infamous Poteen made by Sean DeBurgh and just as infamous was their Irish stew and brown bread. There is no charged here for food, drink or lodging as it was one of the social places to gather sponsored by the Castle. Visitors coming in peace could rest and converse with royal subjects of these lands, friends and other visitors alike along with a good meal offered with their drink. Such was the way the lands were set up, the means to support was from the tithing of the many businesses, ranches, farms and villages... all contributed in a fair amount according to their status. Alex (npc) was the regular bartender if not at the Balli-Hi Pub or one of those assigned to take care of the tavern were around.

Teri Douglas' Coffee and Sweets Shoppe could be found in the commons of Heathfield Castle. She and Megan MacGregor McAndrews baked all kinds of goodies to eat. Confections, pastries, pies, cakes, soups, breads along with a slate board that offered words, food for thought and a new recipe to try. Here things did have a price as they made a living from such and paid a tithing to support the castle. As with all business, manors, ranches.. the buildings and lands are owned by the castle if one should leave they revert back but until that time they remain in the family they were granted to. Ian McCormick Sheep Ranch provided high quality wool to be made into cloth or yarn along with lamb's meat. Maurice and Joe McDonough's Cattle Ranch provided beef, leather and where the infamous Ferdie the Bull offspring still live on.

Rory McDonough took over the breeding of horses after his mother's death. He too had this natural ability and way with animals. The lands also provided great hunting, for as rich as the soils proved to be here also was found its wildlife to match. Hunting was done only to provide food and not the heedless killing just to kill. Draven MacShire of Ravanna farmlands rolled over fertile lands providing grains, corn and apples. Each year he held a Harvest Festival which was open to all and a 'King and Queen' picked for the duration. One of the most favored spots is the Crystal Gold Lake, where one could relax, fish and swim. Mists skimmed her surface of water in the early morning to be cleared away with the heat of sunrays as the day wore on. It got its name for the golden hues set upon its surface at sunset of rich golden and orange colors. Ravanna, McDonough Cattle Ranch and McCormick Sheep Ranch were not far from from the shores of the lake, having scenic views from the verandas of their homes.

There were two vineyards developed in the Tri-castle lands. The first was established by Darren McCullen on Ballicastle lands, well established now after quite a few years of development. Rolling, cultivated fields held the fruit bearing vines that would be harvest into red and white wines in the fall, supplying the taverns with these choice vintages. The surplus sold abroad on the many excursions the ships of Rhett Shawnesey took each year. Mike and Miranda McAndrews' vineyards, located on Heathfield lands were newer and would take a few years before they would yield a large crop but they would bear enough fruit in those first few years to add to the land's supply of wine, brandy and brandywine. After that their product would be sold overseas, carried on Michael's brother Liam's ships.

The largest port is in Heathfield aptly named Barrett's Bay. Heath Kincaide being given the position of Harbor Master. It was one of the busiest places for the number of ships ported in slips along the piers, merchant ships that came to do business from other lands and Heathfield's own fleet of warships maintained there. Shops and diners lined the boardwalk along with areas of entertainment. Also here were found not only sailors but some of the more unscrupulous personage not necessarily of the lands but coming in from others. More guards were stationed here to keep peace but one was wise to walk carefully and watch their purse. It was also one of the most aesthetic places with the call of sea birds that flew high above or those walking along the beach in search of clams. The boardwalk was in constant motion between visitors and merchants. Sunsets played off the waters to mirror their streaking rays of reds and golds tipping the crests of the ever flowing tides to dance diamonds for the riches of the ocean depths that laid beneath. Andre Bovee cargo ships were docked here along with Rhett Shawnesey's merchant and passenger ones.

The second largest port laid within Ballicastle lands. Here was found the fleet of warships of Liam McAndrews. Here too were found the every busy and sometimes loud activities of merchants bringing in their wares for trade, some selling along the piers. A few single own ships were slip here too such as the Challenger owned and captained by Darren McCullen.

The smallest port was of Tyremoor but still boasted of trading merchant ships and a small fleet of their own to maintain protection of their lands as with Ballicastle's and Innis Daingneah's fleet of warships could be added to those of Heathfield if ever needed to combine one great naval force.

(All other text, not specified, written by Lahoneee player)