Sorestia
The planet nation Sorestia is the heart of the Sorestian Empire. Its capital is Soroto, seat of the Imperial Palace and the government.
Imperial Palace in Soroto
The emperor’s palace stands at the heart of Soroto, surrounded by two consecutive walls that isolate it completely from the rest of the city. The outer wall is tall, solid and almost impenetrable, a stone fortress that serves as a boundary between authority and the world. Behind it lies the first courtyard, an extensive complex of functional buildings, offices, barracks, warehouses, kitchens, dormitories and training spaces. All are built with strict geometry, of stone and metal, austere but entirely practical in order to house the mechanism that supports the imperial court.
The central road that crosses the courtyard is the sole exception to the austerity. Framed by well kept flowerbeds it leads directly to the gate of the inner wall. This second inner wall is lower, more decorated, carved with the emblems of the Soroyoto dynasty. Behind it begins the inner world of the palace, a vast intricate garden almost labyrinthine with small lakes that reflect the lights of Soroto, bridges of white stone, pavilions, colonnades and shaded rows of trees. Everywhere stand statues of emperors and deities as well as fountains that cast water shimmering in the light.
At the center of this garden protected by the two walls rises the palace itself. A monumental complex of towers, galleries, halls and offices that at night is illuminated with soft blue lights and seems to hover above the ground. It is the core of Sorestia, the symbol of imperial power and at the same time the gilded cage of the ruler himself.
In front of it spreads a square of marble floors reached by a wide staircase that covers nearly the entire facade of the palace. Official vehicles stop there while units of guards and patrols watch the space constantly ensuring that nothing disturbs the silent grandeur of the imperial center.