At the very center of Zyranth lies its beating heart: the Great Hall. More than just a building, the Great Hall serves as a gathering place, a symbol of unity, and a repository of the village’s history and traditions. Here, the people of Zyranth come together to celebrate triumphs, deliberate challenges, and strengthen the bonds that tie them to one another and to the land they cherish. Both its exterior and interior reflect the character of the village itself—practical, welcoming, and steeped in reverence for nature and community.
The Exterior
The Great Hall stands proudly in the heart of Zyranth, its size and intricate craftsmanship making it the most striking structure in the village. Built from richly stained oak and pine, the wood gleams under the sun, its natural grain a testament to the skill and care of the carpenters who built it. Over the years, the hall has been lovingly maintained, its timbers oiled and polished to preserve its warmth and beauty.
The steeply pitched roof, shingled with dark wood, is crowned by a carved weathervane in the shape of a windcaller bird, wings spread as if caught mid-flight. The bird is a symbol of the Plains’ reverence for the wind—a force that shapes their crops, carries their songs, and reminds them of life’s delicate balance.
Every detail of the hall’s exterior speaks to the pride and creativity of Zyranth’s people. The beams and doorframe are adorned with intricate carvings of leaves, vines, and symbols of harvest, telling stories of abundance, unity, and resilience. Above the double doors, a beautifully etched mural depicts a scene of farmers working the golden fields beneath a radiant sun, a homage to the lifeblood of Zyranth and its people’s enduring harmony with the land.
The doors themselves are heavy and reinforced with iron, a reflection of the hall’s durability and the sense of safety it provides. Yet they swing open with surprising ease, inviting anyone who approaches to step inside—a physical manifestation of Zyranth’s welcoming spirit.
Surrounding the hall is a small square lined with wooden benches and planters bursting with flowers. Vibrant marigolds, daisies, and lavender bloom throughout the seasons, softening the sturdy lines of the building and adding a touch of color and life. The square serves as an informal gathering place, where villagers mingle, exchange stories, or prepare for events in the hall.
During festivals, the square comes alive with laughter, music, and the scent of freshly baked goods, spilling the energy of the Great Hall into the open air.
The Interior
Stepping into the Great Hall is like entering the living soul of Zyranth. The space is vast yet inviting, with high, vaulted ceilings supported by thick wooden beams that crisscross like the ribs of a ship. These beams are intricately carved with motifs of birds, wheat sheaves, and swirling wind patterns, each design a tribute to the land, sky, and life that sustain the village.
The air inside carries the faint, comforting scent of woodsmoke from the hall’s twin hearths, which are large enough to warm the space during gatherings on chilly nights. Even when empty, the hall seems alive, its walls humming with the echoes of past feasts, debates, and celebrations.
The walls are lined with banners and tapestries that tell the story of Zyranth’s history. Some depict scenes of prosperity: bountiful harvests, families gathered around overflowing tables, and golden fields stretching to the horizon. Others show moments of challenge and resilience: legendary storms that tested the village’s strength, or the founding of Zyranth itself. These works of art, some vivid and new, others faded with time, are a reminder of the village’s shared heritage and the enduring strength of its people.
At the far end of the hall stands a raised dais, used for important announcements, storytelling, or performances during festivals. The dais is framed by an intricately carved wooden archway, its surface adorned with symbols of the wind and sun. A large wooden table rests at its center, its surface scarred by the marks of countless gatherings—each scratch and nick a silent testament to the hall’s legacy as a place where decisions are made and lives are shaped.
A Space for All
The Great Hall is more than just a physical space—it’s a place where the people of Zyranth come together as one. It hosts everything from harvest feasts and weddings to town meetings and solemn memorials. During festivals, the air is filled with music, laughter, and the scents of roasted meats and spiced breads. In times of hardship, the hall becomes a refuge, a place where the community gathers to support one another and find strength in unity.
For Kaelion, the Great Hall is a place of discovery and reflection. It’s here that he first hears the stories that connect him to the larger world of Althoria, where Elder Theryn’s wisdom and the village’s traditions give him glimpses of a purpose he has yet to fully understand.
A Testament to Zyranth’s Spirit
The Great Hall of Zyranth is more than just a building—it’s a testament to the village’s unity, resilience, and deep connection to the land. Its sturdy walls and welcoming warmth reflect the strength and kindness of the people who gather within them. Every carved beam, every woven tapestry, and every echo of laughter and song is a reminder of the enduring spirit of Zyranth.
For those who step into the Great Hall, it’s clear that this is not just the heart of the village—it’s the heart of the people themselves.
