skin, bone, and arrogance
[SIZE=14.6667px]Name:[/SIZE][SIZE=14.6667px] Breakriver[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.6667px]Image Source: “Fallingwater” (aka the Edgar J. Kaufman Residence) by Frank Lloyd Wright[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.6667px]Classification: Private Residence[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.6667px]Location: Mountainous region of Dosuun northeast of the capital city.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.6667px]Affiliation: Natasi Fortan[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.6667px]Description:[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.6667px]“In Breakriver, all seems to breathe freedom and peace and to make one forget the world and its sad turmoils…”*[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.6667px]Built with Natasi Fortan’s affinity for the sound of running water in mind, Breakriver was designed to take advantage of the river it is built over and was built over a waterfall (albeit, a smaller one than the one at Herevan), and is thus named for the spot where the river is broken by the falls. Like Herevan Hold, the Fortans’ now-destroyed ancestral home, the river provides the lifeblood of the house by powering an electrical plant beneath, as well as by being piped into a water treatment system, which provides clean, potable water to sinks, bathtubs, showers, fountains and water features throughout the house, and a tankless water-heating system provides hot water on demand. In addition to taking advantage of the river, the house also relies upon the surrounding environment for structural support and landscaping, giving the house a sort of organic type of feel. The builders used materials from the surrounding area, so that the rock on the exterior of the house is identical to the rock of the cliff face.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.6667px]One arrives to Breakriver by air; the landing facilities can accommodate airspeeders, landspeeders, and spacecraft. By design, the landing pad is out of earshot of the house, so as to avoid allowing the sounds of traffic to disturb the occupants. One can approach on foot or droid-powered rickshaw (ground approach) or by the river. The ground approach takes one on a winding tour of the grounds, through the woodlands en route to the valley in which Breakriver itself has been built before crossing over a stone and concrete bridge. This route offers a commanding view of the length of the house as well as the picturesque valley, and is the preferred route for first-time visitors. The water approach takes one on a more direct path, straight down the river on a small boat. A small landing exists at the bottom of the house, where one can tie a boat or simply sit and dangle one’s feet in the water.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.6667px]The exterior view of the house is dominated by the wide, sweeping patios of varying size, perfect for sitting on a summer’s evening or hosting friends. These patios, and to a certain extent the rest of the house, are treated to the constant sound of the creek’s water rushing over the falls. Another, smaller structure houses the servants’ and guest quarters, and are connected by a winding staircase. The main house features two guest suites, as well as a master suite, but the additional building can be used when more than two guests are visiting. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.6667px]While the main house is first and foremost a retreat for Natasi Fortan her position as Grand Moff of the First Order necessitated that the house be able to entertain officials, dignitaries, friends, business prospects, etc. The house’s first floor contains a small foyer, a living room with media center that can folds into the wall, a drawing room overlooking the river and valley, a formal dining room, a breakfast nook for informal dining abutting the kitchen, and a kitchen aside from a full ‘fresher and a half ‘fresher. The second floor contains two guest suites (including ensuite ‘freshers and writing desks stocked with stationery, pens, pencils, etc. The third and final floor contains the master suite, as well as a large, secure office for Natasi. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.6667px]The style of the house is defined by its clean lines, its windows which capture the surrounding woods, valley, and river views, and the wide cantilevered patios that extend improbably into the open space over the river and valley. The interior is luxuriously, if simply, appointed. While expensive, the furnishings are comfortable but not extravagant. The windows feature privacy fogging that can be toggled for the specific room, or for the entire house and are hard-shielded. There is a focus on simplicity, elegance, beauty, and efficiency. And while it was designed as a retreat from work, it is equipped with state-of-the-art communications facilities, including encrypt/decrypt capabilities, hypercomms, etc. While Natasi Fortan could run a thermonuclear war from the sun porch without much of a problem, it has all the appearances and intentions of an idyllic retreat from the world. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.6667px]The rest of the estate is relatively undeveloped, except for a small pavilion in the woods designed to host shooting luncheons, and gamekeeping facilities that will be used to host shooting weekends. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.6667px]History: Built by Natasi Fortan following her ascension to the office of Grand Moff as a country retreat.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.6667px]Intent: To create a setting for roleplay for characters involved.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.6667px]Links: N/A[/SIZE]
*Originally said by Queen Victoria re: Balmoral
