Rotherhythe Keep
Welcome to the Rotherhythe Keep article, as part of the Rotherhythe Wiki articles collection
Introduction
What is Rotherhythe Keep?
Rotherhythe Keep is a private Fortress located north of the outpost spawn region and is officially the oldest outpost settlement. it's constructed in a Medieval / Industrial style, with heavy influences of ice and snow due to it's location in a mountain. The Location is mostly inactive in terms of public works, but during seasonal events, especially December, the Keep will open its doors to the public for events.
How to get there?
Rotherhythe Keep can currently be accessed via the Northern Highway out of the Outpost, Located just past the 13th marker, and to the right.
Soon, Rotherhythe will be accessible via the EGRK Expressway (Now OPE) project, connecting it to Evergreen and other towns along the route.
If you're in for an adventure, try walking the Outpost road from Steambolt!
What's on?
Rotherhythe hosts events on occasion Including: The Christmas Festival (December), The Birthday special (December 24th), Summer Showdown (July), UV Olympics Ice Hockey, and by visiting seasonally, guests can experience the World's stage changing into a new environment year round.
Lore
The seasonal changes in Rotherhythe, as well as its expansions, include subtle details that will slowly tell the stories of Rotherhythe while revealing secrets, both past and future.
Brief History
Rotherhythe was founded on December 24th 2021 under the name "Brasshelm Keep". Constructed initially to serve as a new home for TheSecondLord, the fortress would grow to a point where outward expansion lead it's development into a town under Mattesco. With time, Rotherhythe would prosper, developing a new stance as an event hosting base. With the growth of the central area out into a massive courtyard which would be updated seasonally and host big festivals.
Build's and Locations
Rotherhythe Keep has numerous places to visit, explore and experience all purpose built with minimal space wasted or unused. This approach to usability and function has resulted in an expansive place to find new secrets and areas, all of which can take up a healthy portion of your time to take in.
Rotherhythe Keep is split between two zones. Inside, and outside.
Inside the Keep
Inside the Keep is where you will find the central core of Rotherhythe. Serving as the roots of which the settlement grew out of, Rotherhythe Keep has a history and can be a worthwhile visit.
Copper Gatehouse
The Copper Gatehouse is the first structure on site, completed on December 24th 2021, this structure marked the foundations to the first settlement in the Outpost region.
Initial Build
The build was the debut of the signature blackstone + copper colour combo. The structure is the landmark and icon of the region as a whole
Alternatively, the Gatehouse was purposed as a sheltering structure to host the front door for Rotherhythe Keep, The door is a strikingly huge struture, with lava lighting up the walls that share the design of the over-arcing structure.
Renovation
In October 2022, the formerly disused interior of the Gatehouse was given new life in the form of a USUV Hall to host the 45th USUV Meeting on October 31st. This renovation brought about many changes to the structure, including a full balcony on the shelter deck and staircase access located straight behind the door it hosts. The interior of the structure initially included 2 floors, however to accomodate the USUV Hall's Redstone voting structure, these were combined into one with the upper level being a light source via it's extra windows and lighting fixtures. The vote count is located in this upper space to be visible from the majority of desks on the table below.
Landmark Status
The Gatehouse is the defining structure of Rotherhythe, featuring on many branding elements to Rotherhythe's numerous events, and inspiring the regions banner. The structure has overseen countless events and changes on the courtyard space, and was at the heart of the IV UltraVanilla Olympics opening ceremony.
Talla Olimpigaech Ice Hockey Arena
The renowned home to one of UV's greatest sport icons, the Talla Olimpigaech arena has overseen every Ice Hockey tournament since it's debut as the new home of Hockey at the III UV Olympics, taking over from the ice hall under TheSecondLord's Base.
Initial Build
The arena is designed to celebrate Rotherhythes nature, with it's striking ice roof raining down a frozen river before the audience and above the competitors. The structure rests within a cylindrical frame wedged under an artificial cliffside, allowing natural light to flow through the stadium. The seat galleries accomodate any to all spectators with ease. This version also included a staircase heading down to a lower level. Rumours state this still exists hidden behind one of the walls...
Olympic All-Stars renovation
For the All-Stars competition, the Ice Hockey hall went under renovations. Previously, a roof had been added to the field of play to improve mobility and speed up play as part of the new Ice Hockey rules. This time the seat galleries were updated to be seated above a copper and blackstone wall, with the room getting new light fixtures located under it's new carpeted floors. The banners of all competitors were also rearranged in an even pattern, finally, the Hall of Champions was opened, awarding all previous event winners with their own placement for a statue along with a plaque.
Summer Showdown '23 Renovation
For the Summer Showdown in 2023. A new equipment room was added along with bunting on the hall of champions
Central Hall
The Central Hall hosts multiple rooms and areas within Rotherhythe, marked by a central sculpture, the beacon egg, which is an icy relic of a frozen past, providing speed to all who enter the fortress.
Storage Room
The Storage room in Rotherhythe is made up of 2 L shaped lanes. One for blocks and the other for items. the storage room is currently due a renovation to create an easier and more viable layout with sorting mechanism. Due to Rotherhythe's strict codes against lag, this project is expected to take significant time to complete.
TheSecondLord's Room
Second has made home in the Rotherhythe Central Hall. Located in a room besides the stairs up to the USUV Hall, his room occupies a small area within the Keep, but it's convenient location and tidy design make it the excellent location for a set home.
The World's most Useless Bridge
Constructed as a winning design for the Bridge build competition, Seconds copper bridge spans the gap over the ravine Rotherhythe is built in and onward to what is intended to be a throne room. Due to delays however, the bridge had been jokingly dubbed "The worlds most useless bridge"
In May 2023, Second finally built his throne room, and the tag of the World's most useless bridge was lost
Outside the Keep - Centre
The Centre and West of the Keep exterior are the most famous parts of Rotherhythe. Overseeing much of the golden era in the settlement, being dubbed fittingly as "The World's Stage."
Courtyard
The Courtyard is what most players would call their first experience in the settlement. As host to the regions main portal, the Courtyard where most worldwide events take place.
Seasonal Changes
The Courtyard is updated on a seasonal basis to be themed around the defined season. This is a tradition dating back to September 2022 when the Keep was designed in a halloween fashion. These changes follow a storyline that may allude to future secrets yet to be revealed...
Halloween 2022
During Halloween, the Courtyard was decorated with pumpkins and webs, giving Rotherhythe Keep a spookier aesthetic, this design was also present during the 45th USUV Meeting.
In November, A sleigh pulled by reindeer could be seen flying above the Keep, with magic raining down from the end.
Winter 2022
At Christmas, the courtyard was redecorated as a winter wonderland with a christmas tree and candy canes. The surrounding structures were adorned with leaves and other decorations. Players were invited to build Christmas market stalls as part of the annual Christmas Festival.
The fields of qwq's farm stall began to motivate movement in the ground, and create new natural life never before seen in the tundras of Rotherhythe.
Spring 2023
For Spring, a domed roof was added to keep the indoor climate low enough to sustain plant life as these new seeds bloomed, over springtime the Keep remained as a greenhouse with trees, plants, a lake and a sustainable farming centre. A mysterious cavern could be seen boarded up in the east.
As the spring wore on, the mountaintops surrounding Rotherhythe began to melt in the sweltering heat. The rise in the water level at the peaks could not be held for much longer...
Summer 2023
For Summer, the Courtyard experienced a vast change in layout, seeing water flood the central area with new raised bridges and boardwalks line the grounds. New Restaurants and drink stands opened up to accomodate the summer visitors. This theme also celebrates Pride for the duration of the summer.
As the summer ended and the party slowed, the trees buried beneath the boardwalks began to rise. The earth acted in strange ways, and a new secret was to be revealed beneath the ground...
Autumn 2023
For Autumn, the lakes of the summertime were kept in action. A mystery sculk growth was noticed and sealed off on the far east of the centre island. This turned out to be leaking from the labyrinth beneath the settlement.
During this season, the snowcaps began to frost once again, creating a small amount of ground and some bonus transportation in and around the central area.
The harvest festival and competitive farming sites were added as part of this season.
Winter 2023
Coming soon...
Seasonal exclusive bonuses
During Winter, the centre of the marketplace was home to festival park, which hosted a Christmas tree. This park was not reinstated for spring.
During Springtime, the eastern end of the zone was converted into the site for the Olympic Ceremonies.
During Summertime, The Courtyard was decorated for Pride Month
During Autumntime, the Courtyard was home to a range of sniffers
Events
The Courtyard has hosted a plethora of key events in UV History, it's most notable to date being the Christmas Festival.
In December 2022, the Courtyard hosted it's first annual Christmas Festival
In April 2023, the Courtyard was host to the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Fourth UV Olympic Games.
In July 2023, the Courtyard became the home grounds for Summer Showdown celebrations
In October 2023, the Courtyard hosted Competitive Farming at the Harvest Festival
Copper Castle Embassies
On the courtside of the Copper Castle is the main ambassadorial corner to the Region. Currently host to 11 embassies from:
These embassies are designed by their respective towns to decorate the interior by their wishes. A settlement upon acceptance is allowed to occupy a segment of the building and decorate it as they wish from top to bottom.
The initial run of 8 embassies was completed in March 2023. A 9th site was opened up above Krill Lanka, now occupied by Cyprus.
A 10th site was added in the South side of the Copper Castle
An 11th site was added in the North side of the Copper Castle
Outside the Keep - East
The eastern side of the outdoor courtyard is known as the "Copper Palace" dubbed so as an extension of Rotherhythe Keep. The facilities here are located inside of two curved factory style buildings. These buildings were designed months after the Gatehouse, but compliment it as an addition to it's structure and style. Originally build to accomodate shops, these were retooled to become Rotherhythe's key infrastructure.
OPE Station - Rotherhythe Palace
Rotherhythe Palace station occupies the North side of the Copper Palace zone. It was agreed in September 2022 hat this would be the site of the station, and the former shop units were thereby closed off for construction. Construction completed in December 2022 and the station opened in January 2023 once the platforms had been completed.
Ticket Hall
The ticket hall is home to 1 of the 5 famous Rotherhythe Ice Roofs, which rains down over the upper gallery area and ticket hall. Inside the ticket hall is a model locomotive. The station has a coffee store upstairs and ticket facilites below.
Station access can be found from the two gateways at the Copper Palace and a special designed hallway that leads directly to the Hall of champions. This is opened exclusively on match dates.
Platform Level
The platforms are accessed via drop shaft elevators. The station features a terminus island platform for both lanes of EGRK traffic. Like the ticket hall 100 blocks above, this hall contains one of the 5 ice roofs of Rotherhythe. The walls are adorned with the Copper Cross of Rotherhythe with the signature emblem raised above the entrance to the elevators.
Rotherhythe World Museum
The World Museum opened in April 2023 and is one of UV's core galleries of old and rare items. Each item has its own write up sharing what we know about them.
Library
The ground floor is focused around the library which is a chill space for travellers who have a taste for the world of literature. Featuring countless books from server history split into 4 categories, the library is overseen by Mrs. Bookhorn, a lit-loving goat who found herself upon a bookshelf one morning on UV.
World Galleries
Recently renovated, the Rotherhythe World Museum features over 100 server items, including UltraVanilla's dedicated Voyager Exhibition, items from 2019 in TheSecondLord's collection, Mattesco's collection of unique items and history, One of the largest brewing collections of unique and bugged brews, old books, and a plethora of Lore items. All written up in detail with their histories preserved. This redesign launched with the Olympic Works projects of Rotherhythe.
Voyager Exhibition
The Voyager Exhibition was opened in February 2023 following the end of the Voyager II run. The exhibition aims to be a home for all things relating to the Voyager role, which allows for the history of Mattesco and Wind's journeys to be preserved. Currently, the exhibition houses numerous stories of the journey in 2023 aswell as write ups on Winds Runs. It is home to a bell of the Voyager world tour and Nicola Sturgeon IV, the horse that completed the run. The renovated exhibition opened in April 2023 as part of the Rotherhythe World Museum.
Outside the Keep - West
The western fringe of the Keep is bordered by the Copper Castle, a structure that marks the border between Rotherhythe Keep and Brasshelm town
Copper Castle
The Copper castle is the final large structure built in Rotherhythe Keep. As the border between Brasshelm town and Rotherhythe Keep, its historic fortifications make it the excellent gateway to the heart of Rotherhythe.
Great Hall
The great hall is Rotherhythe's hosting hall for numerous events of flexible types. It's designed to accomodate politics, events, and be used as a ballroom. It's first event and use was being used by the OPC for it's first gathering on Februrary 25 2023.
Designed with it's floor on the lower level, and parliamentary seat glaleries above, it represents the key parts of whatever event needs it. Making it a prime example of flexible design on UltraVanilla.
It's balcony overlooks the Courtyard, however the pillar in the centre blocks the direct view of the Hall from the USUV Hall, which is a symbolic representation of the independence to the OPC.
The entrance to the hall can be found in Brasshelm Town
Tunnel
The Tunnel under the Copper Castle will be the site of the next wave of embassy locations. Designed as a raw copper art piece, it functions as the main exit and entrance to Rotherhythe Keep.
Guarded by a copper gate and a wither skeleton, the tunnel is a modern take on the concept of drawbridge entry. Where selection of entrants is done by the moving of a physical barrier.
Outside the Keep - North
The Northern reaches of Rotherhythe Keep are home to some of it's most elegant designs
The Foundry
The Foundry, constructed by TheSecondLord, is a raw copperworks that is home to some of Rotherhythe's greatest Copper foundrymen. Perhaps this location is a tiny bit more than meets the eye....
The Grand Central Hotel
The Grand Central Hotel is the main artery for travelers of the high north, mainly those coming to or from the sister city of Steambolt. The hotel is also useful in days where Expo events, such as the Redstone Expo, are taking place up in the Northern regions beyond the mountains.
Rotherhythe's iconic blend of blackstone & copper comes into it's own on the glorious and dominant clock tower that defines the North side of the fortress. A beacon for the tourist, it is a clear marker that invites any visitors to go and explore what it has to offer.
It has direct access to the Central Station. Which has more information in Brasshelm Town, which is the constituency it belongs to.
The Dam
The Rotherhythe Keep Dam was constructed at the same time as the Copper Palace. It was designed to secure the cliff-face and allow for greater construction beyond the North of the World's Stage. First used on the Christmas Festival, it is now home to portions of the Grand Central Hotel.
Sport
Participation
Rotherhythe Keep, which predates greater Rotherhythe, Competed at the III UltraVanilla Olympic Games. This is the only constituency of the region to compete on it's own in a sporting event.
For the IV UltraVanilla Olympic Games, Rotherhythe Keep unified with Malus as one conjoined team.
Hosting
Rotherhythe Keep hosts numerous sporting events throughout the year. Including the Annual Summer Showdown and Olympic events as well as being the first ever town to host both the opening and closing Ceremonies to an Olympic Games
Finished?
Feel free to return to the central Rotherhythe page to find out more about our history!