Hallward’s Palace
Few places in Warlderia are more curious than Hallward's Palace. Built over a thousand years ago by the legendary Gnomish wizard Hallward the Illusionist, it remains one of the finest examples of Gnomish architecture ever constructed. Although scarcely larger than a Human manor house, the palace possesses all the grandeur of a royal residence, with graceful domes, slender towers, sweeping arches and exquisitely carved stonework that seem almost impossibly delicate. Every wall, balcony and courtyard displays the meticulous craftsmanship for which the Gnomes are renowned, and despite its great age the palace appears almost untouched by time. Hallward himself has long since become a figure of legend. His true Gnomish name is said to have contained dozens of ancestral titles and honorifics, but even the Gnomes now simply remember him as Hallward the Illusionist. During his lifetime he travelled further than almost any other Gnome of his age, collecting strange magical knowledge from distant lands before returning to construct his remarkable home. Some claim he discovered secrets lost even to the Elves, whilst others insist he bargained with the Fey or studied beneath the Great Towers of Moradin. Whatever the truth, his mastery of illusion has never been equalled.
The palace stands upon a low wooded hill surrounded by dense forest, marshland and winding streams. A single narrow road leads towards its gates, yet remarkably few visitors ever reach them. There are no walls, no watchtowers and no visible garrison, but countless raiders have attempted to plunder the palace over the centuries without success. Survivors speak of roads that vanish into mist, forests that appear where none existed before, bridges leading only into bogs and phantom lights that lure travellers deep into the marshes. Others tell of wandering in circles for days before emerging exactly where they began, whilst some insist they were pursued by terrifying beasts that vanished as suddenly as they appeared. Whether these tales are the work of ancient enchantments or active defenders remains unknown. Those who do eventually find the palace are invariably welcomed with courtesy. Visitors are greeted by an elderly Gnome known simply as Skallagrim, who has served as the palace's master for longer than anyone can remember. Whether Skallagrim is a hereditary title adopted by successive custodians or the same individual encountered by travellers over many generations is a matter of constant speculation. Some believe he is merely the latest guardian of Hallward's legacy. Others whisper that he is Hallward himself, sustained by powerful magic discovered during his legendary travels. The Gnomes, as always, politely refuse to answer.
Despite its isolated appearance, Hallward's Palace has never been abandoned. A small community of Gnomes, together with a handful of Halflings and an assortment of unusual animals, continues to inhabit its elegant halls. Rumours persist that the palace has become a secret college where the finest Gnomish illusionists receive instruction in arts unknown elsewhere in Warlderia. If such a school exists, its students are never seen beyond the surrounding woods. Unlike most noble estates, the Palace has never sworn fealty to any kingdom, nor has it ever paid taxes to neighbouring rulers. Curiously, this independence has rarely caused conflict. For centuries the rulers of surrounding lands have found the Palace too valuable to antagonise. Its inhabitants have become renowned as merchants of information, providing advice, intelligence and careful counsel during times of uncertainty. Whether their remarkable knowledge is gathered through magical divination, an unparalleled network of Gnomish travellers or simply patient observation is known only to the palace itself. Those seeking answers often arrive believing they know the questions they wish to ask. They usually leave with entirely different ones.
Amongst rulers and scholars there is an old saying: "If Hallward's Palace cannot answer your question, it can usually tell you where to find someone who can."
Whether this reputation owes more to wisdom or to illusion has never been satisfactorily determined.