The primary base of the Second Army (the military branch consisting solely of Grisha), the Little Palace is located in the capital of Ravka, Os Alta, near its primary government building. It was built hundreds of years ago following the insistence of (spoiler; highlight to read) the Darkling, who negotiated a deal with King Yevgeni Lantsov: in order for Grisha to fight for Ravka, the Little Palace would be created in exchange as a safe haven.
The sole purpose of the Little Palace is therefore to provide safety and training for Grisha, especially in a world which, at the time, was largely antagonistic to them. It also acts as the central base of the Grisha Triumvirate, the Second Army's overarching military leaders.
Design
Despite the name, the Little Palace is no small structure! Certainly created with the help of skilled Fabrikators, it's an impressive, expansive building featuring many dedicated spaces for Grisha training. These include the Fabrikator workshops, the Corporalki workshops, and pavilions near the lake for the Summoners, allowing all of the types to study and train in their own respective ways.
Within the Little Palace there's also a large hexagonal hall which is primarily used for dining, featuring four tables all facing one another in a square. There are also dormitories for Second Army soldiers' residence, an infirmary, a library, hothouses for food, a nearby banya, and many other features.
Roleplay
While only Second Army soldiers (enlistments open from the Practiced rank/rank 4 and up!) can take residence in the Little Palace, its doors are open for the first three years of training for Grisha who would like to hone their skills and understand what their Order and type truly mean for them. Its public-facing areas, such as the dining hall, are also open to visitation.
Quotes from the Series
“Welcome to the Little Palace,” said the Darkling.
It was a strange name, because though it was smaller than the Grand Palace, the “Little” Palace was still huge. It rose from the trees surrounding it like something carved from an enchanted forest, a cluster of dark wood walls and golden domes. As we drew closer, I saw that every inch of it was covered in intricate carvings of birds and flowers, twisting vines, and magical beasts.
[...] A charcoal-clad group of servants waited on the steps. I dismounted, and one of them rushed forward to take my horse, while others pushed open a large set of double doors. As we passed through them, I couldn’t resist the urge to reach out and touch the exquisite carvings. They had been inlaid with mother-of-pearl so that they sparkled in the early-morning light. How many hands, how many years had it taken to create such a place?
We passed through an entry chamber and then into a vast hexagonal room with four long tables arranged in a square at its center. Our footsteps echoed off the stone floor, and a massive gold dome seemed to float above us at an impossible height.
– Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo, p.60
