The Duchy of Champagne [Setting]

Le Château d'Ombrage is an ancient fortress constructed during the late occupation of Gaul (France) by the Roman Empire. It is situated in the Northeast of West Francia in the Champagne wine region, less than 100 miles from Paris. The castle is built on an island in the middle of the river Marne, which is a tributary of the Siene, allowing for the passage of goods and general transport between the region and the capital city. While not the largest of the royal estates it is considered to be one of the more picturesque, having been renovated by a former Duke of Champagne for his much beloved mother, but has seen little official use in a hundred or so years.

The castle consists of an inner baily where the keep itself is located, as well as the pleasure gardens and servants' quarters. An outer bailey houses the armory, barracks, smithery, physician's tower, a church, and docks to the North. There are three portcullis gates: one guards the Southern external entrance into the castle's face with thick wooden doors that can be closed from the inside and a draw bridge leading back to the mainland; another is on the Northern wall and sinks down into the river to prevent unwelcome visitors from sailing into the mouth of the port; the third is the opening into the main courtyard of the inner bailey. For the most part, apart from the docks, these gates remain open, with the exception of the inner bailey entrance at night. There are smaller side gates through which one or two people can pass, but they remain locked unless in use.

The main road leading from the Southern Gate passes through the castle's vineyard on the main shore, and then into the surrounding forest at the vineyard's edge. This leads to the village of Ombrage, approximately three miles away. The woods in-between are popular hunting grounds for the royals and are referred to as the Queenswood. Northward, across the river, is a continuation of the Chateau vineyard and must be reached by boat rather than drawbridge. The forest behind it is considered less safe than its Southern sister-wood and is known as the Shadowed Forest, guards protect the vineyard from behind a wall of spikes wooden posts. The forest is frequented by bandits and cutthroats and is generally avoided unless well-armed guards are present to provide an escort.

Stone was the primary component used in the chateau's construction with the outer walls being comprised solely of the material. The inner keep itself is also made of stone but uses wood for support, flooring, the roof, and some of the inner walls. Passageways are carved in and below the stone fortress allowing for faster travel, primarily used by the servants to reduce visibility, but some are secret and make for a quick escape, both their existence and destinations being closely kept secrets.

The keep consists of various quaint but appropriate chambers and apartments to accommodate its high-ranking inhabitants, including a presence chamber in which the Duchess or her regent may receive company, a great hall for hosting feasts, a vast kitchen, wine cellar, library, sitting rooms, various offices, as well as guest and living quarters. As is the case with all royal residences, there is also an apartment for the current king and queen, should they choose to visit. Throughout the keep there are many hearths and finely woven tapestries to block out the chill, for given the time and location it seldomly gets very warm at all. Applewood as well as other sweet-smelling herbs and spices are placed in the fires to perfume the air. Each royal apartment consists of a sitting room, private presence chamber, balcony, bedchamber, closet, privy, and office.