Dunwall Tower.
- "If the plague were to take the entire city, or flames consume it, Dunwall Tower would be the last to fall."
- —The Heart
Dunwall Tower is the principal residence of the ruling family of Dunwall. It is the location of the missions Returning Home and Return to the Tower in Dishonored as well as the prologue of The Knife of Dunwall.
History
Built long before the rule of Empress Jessamine Kaldwin, Dunwall Tower has been the principal seat of power in Gristol and the Empire of the Isles for over a century. In that time it has been home to various dynasties and royal families who have each added to the structure in some fashion.[1] The Tower has also survived many destructive events, including "numerous wars, several large-scale fires and the collapse and rebuilding of the northern wing."[1]
During the Morley Insurrection, Dunwall Tower was targeted by rebels using the Dunwall Sewers to infiltrate the city, resulting in several assassination attempts.[1][2] The Tower was subsequently fortified, and the Royal Protector position was created.
During the rule of Emperor Euhorn Kaldwin, the Tower grounds were open to the public during daylight hours, allowing the civilian population access to the area. Such traffic was restricted during the reign of Jessamine Kaldwin on the insistence of Royal Spymaster Hiram Burrows, but street access still remained open.[3]
Architecture
Dunwall Tower and grounds.
Lower floor room with display cases.
The Empress's secret room.
The center of imperial governance, Dunwall Tower is situated on a cliff overlooking the Wrenhaven River, directly across from the Old Port District and adjacent to the Estate District. It is connected by drawbridge to Coldridge Prison, and river access is maintained via water lock.
The tower grounds are constructed on a steep cliff side and divided into several levels, stretching from the base of the water lock to the front steps of the tower. The area features gardens and a gazebo overlooking the river, an open courtyard in front of the tower where a coach is parked, and a moat.
The interior of the structure is spacious and extravagant; the first floor features a large foyer leading to a library, dining room, and small place of worship with the Seven Strictures inscribed on the walls. Adjacent to the foyer are a storage room and a room with a pool connected to the moat.
Side hallways allow servant and guard access to the main portions of the tower, connecting to the guards' quarters and kitchens. These surrounding hallways also grant access to the dungeon, and small, dark and dank room which is home to the Morris Sullivan, the Royal Interrogator.
The second floor features the living quarters of the ruling family, including the royal apartments, a music room, a study or lounge, spare bedrooms, storage, a reading room, and access to a walkway overlooking the first-floor shrine. The floor also features a secret room utilized by the Empress, where an audiograph recorded by her and a letter can be found.
Alterations Under Burrows
Dunwall Tower after its fortification.
Dunwall Tower roof.
Following the assassination of the Empress, the tower is heavily fortified on the order of Hiram Burrows. The exterior is covered in metallic casing, and a watchtower has been installed near the front gate.
Street access has been sealed off, with barriers erected around the structure and all traffic relegated to the water lock.[4] In addition, a safe room is constructed on the roof of the tower, which contains living space, a wall of light, and Burrows' war room. A statue of the Lord Regent has also been installed in the central courtyard.
Sokolov technologies are deployed throughout the tower and grounds. A combination of guards, Overseers and tallboys constantly patrol the tower. A broadcasting center is present in one wing of the structure to transmit Regency propaganda over Dunwall's speaker system. A special television apparatus is also present in the foyer, allowing Burrows to communicate with his guards from his safe room.
Trivia
- The tower is heavily based on the Tower of London and Edinburgh Castle.
- Dunwall Tower was named White Hall early during development.[5]
- The television communicator at the palace's entrance is a refraction lens invented by Anton Sokolov, which can show images but not capture them.[6]
- Dunwall Tower is located on Barrowe Street.
Gallery
